WO2025059362A1 - Combination therapies with a cell therapy expressing a gprc5d-targeting car and related methods and uses - Google Patents

Combination therapies with a cell therapy expressing a gprc5d-targeting car and related methods and uses Download PDF

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WO2025059362A1
WO2025059362A1 PCT/US2024/046470 US2024046470W WO2025059362A1 WO 2025059362 A1 WO2025059362 A1 WO 2025059362A1 US 2024046470 W US2024046470 W US 2024046470W WO 2025059362 A1 WO2025059362 A1 WO 2025059362A1
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amino acid
set forth
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sequence set
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Allison June KAEDING
Colin Douglas GODWIN
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Juno Therapeutics, Inc.
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    • C07K16/28Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
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    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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    • A61K40/00Cellular immunotherapy
    • A61K40/10Cellular immunotherapy characterised by the cell type used
    • A61K40/11T-cells, e.g. tumour infiltrating lymphocytes [TIL] or regulatory T [Treg] cells; Lymphokine-activated killer [LAK] cells
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61K40/00Cellular immunotherapy
    • A61K40/30Cellular immunotherapy characterised by the recombinant expression of specific molecules in the cells of the immune system
    • A61K40/31Chimeric antigen receptors [CAR]
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61PSPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
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    • C07K16/2803Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against the immunoglobulin superfamily
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    • C07K16/28Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
    • C07K16/2878Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against the NGF-receptor/TNF-receptor superfamily, e.g. CD27, CD30, CD40, CD95
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    • C07K16/30Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants from tumour cells
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    • A61K2239/11Antigen recognition domain
    • A61K2239/13Antibody-based
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    • A61K2239/17Hinge-spacer domain
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    • A61K2239/21Transmembrane domain
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    • A61K2239/22Intracellular domain
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    • A61K2239/48Blood cells, e.g. leukemia or lymphoma
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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    • A61K39/395Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum
    • A61K39/39533Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum against materials from animals
    • A61K39/39541Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum against materials from animals against normal tissues, cells
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    • A61K39/395Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum
    • A61K39/39533Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum against materials from animals
    • A61K39/3955Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum against materials from animals against proteinaceous materials, e.g. enzymes, hormones, lymphokines
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    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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    • A61K40/00Cellular immunotherapy
    • A61K40/40Cellular immunotherapy characterised by antigens that are targeted or presented by cells of the immune system
    • A61K40/41Vertebrate antigens
    • A61K40/42Cancer antigens
    • A61K40/4202Receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
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    • C07K2317/30Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by aspects of specificity or valency
    • C07K2317/31Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by aspects of specificity or valency multispecific

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates in some aspects to methods and uses of combination therapies involving a T cell therapy, e.g., a CAR T cell therapy, and an additional agent, e.g. bispecific antibody; e.g. a BCMA-directed T cell engager, for treating subjects with cancers such as multiple myeloma, and related methods, uses, and articles of manufacture.
  • the T cell therapy includes cells that express recombinant receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) which contain extracellular antigen-binding domains that bind to G Protein-Coupled Receptor Class C Group 5 Member D (GPRC5D).
  • CARs chimeric antigen receptors
  • GPRC5D G Protein-Coupled Receptor Class C Group 5 Member D
  • G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D is a G-protein coupled receptor, the specific function of which has not yet been determined.
  • the expression of GPRC5D is high in bone marrow samples of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) compared to the minimal expression of GPRC5D in bone marrow samples of patients with other hematological malignancies. Based on its expression, GPRC5D could be a marker of MM tumors and a therapeutic target.
  • GPRC5D-binding chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and cells expressing such CARs are available.
  • CARs chimeric antigen receptors
  • a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3.
  • CAR chimeric antigen receptor
  • GPRC5D human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D
  • BCMA B cell maturation antigen
  • the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle. In some embodiments, each treatment cycle is a 28-day cycle. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises a first treatment cycle (Cl) that is an escalating dosing regimen comprising one or more starting dose and one or more maintenance dose, wherein the maintenance dose is greater than the starting dose. In some embodiments, Cl further comprises one or more intermediate dose, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose and less than the maintenance dose.
  • a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 in a dosing regimen that is initiated after the CAR-T cell administration; wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day treatment cycle, and wherein the first treatment cycle (Cl) is an escalating dosing regimen comprising: (i) a starting phase, wherein one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject; (
  • the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody. In some embodiments, the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is 28 days to 6 months after administering the CAR-T cell therapy to the subject. In some embodiments, the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is no earlier than 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy. In some embodiments, the initiation of administration of the bispecific is at or about 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
  • the starting phase comprises a single starting dose. In some embodiments, the starting dose is about 1.0 mg to 6 mg. In some embodiments, the starting dose is about 3 mg. In some embodiments, the intermediate phase comprises a single intermediate dose. In some embodiments, the intermediate dose is about 4.5 mg to 10 mg. In some embodiments, the intermediate dose is about 6.0 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is from about 6 mg to about 50 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is a about 25.0 mg to 35.0 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is about 30 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is a about 6 mg to 18 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is about 10 mg.
  • the one or more starting dose is administered in the first week of Cl. In some embodiments, a single starting dose is administered on Day 1 (DI) of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the first week of Cl. In some embodiments, a single intermediate dose is administered on one of Days 3-6 of Cl. In some embodiments, the single intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 (D4) of Cl. In some embodiments, in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered once weekly after the first week. In some embodiments, in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 (D8), Day 15 (D15) and Day 22 (D22). In some embodiments, in Cl the bispecific antibody is administered at about 3 mg on Day 1, about 6 mg on Day 4, and about 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
  • the bispecific antibody is administered at about 3 mg on Day 1, about 6 mg on Day 4, and about 10 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
  • the dosing regimen further comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing (Q1W) of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises 2-4 once weekly treatment cycles.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3), wherein each of C2 and C3 are characterized by once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
  • C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
  • C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
  • the dosing regimen comprises one or more additional treatment cycles characterized by reduced frequency administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody.
  • the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise every other week dosing (Q2W), once monthly dosing (Q4W) or combinations thereof.
  • the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise one or more treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises 2-6 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises 2-4 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises 3 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a fourth treatment cycle (C4), a fifth treatment cycle (C5), and a sixth treatment cycle (C6, wherein each of C4, C5 and C6 are characterized by every other week (Q2W) dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1 and 15.
  • C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15
  • C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15
  • C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15
  • C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15
  • C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • the one or more additional treatment cycles further comprise one or more Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose after the one or more Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises 4-10 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises 5-8 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 6 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a seventh treatment cycle (C7), an eighth treatment cycle (C8), a ninth treatment cycle (C9), a tenth treatment cycle (CIO), an eleventh treatment cycle (Cl 1) and a twelfth treatment cycle (C12), wherein each of C7, C8, C9, CIO, Cl 1 and C12 are characterized by once monthly (Q4W) dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Day 1 of each cycle. In some embodiments, the subjects are administered the bispecific antibody for a maximum of 12 treatment cycles.
  • a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the CAR T cell administration and is characterized by 12 treatment cycles that are each 28 days; wherein: (i) the first treatment cycle of the bispecific antibody administration comprises administration of 3 mg on Day 1, 6 mg on Day 4, and 30 mg on Days 8,
  • a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the CAR T cell administration and is characterized by 12 treatment cycles that are each 28 days, wherein: (i) the first treatment cycle of the bispecific antibody comprises administration of 3 mg on Day 1, 6 mg on Day 4, and 10 mg on Days 8,
  • the bispecific antibody is administered subcutaneously.
  • the bispecific antibody is a trivalent bispecific antibody comprising two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody, one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and one Fc portion.
  • the bispecific antibody is in the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab.
  • the anti-BCMA Fab comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in S
  • the anti-BCMA Fab comprises: (a) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR1, respectively; and
  • the anti-BCMA Fab comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218.
  • the anti-BCMA Fab comprises a a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively.
  • the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243.
  • he anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 244, 245, and 246, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 247, 248, and 249, respectively.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253.
  • the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab.
  • the CAR comprises (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), (2) an immunoglobulin hinge spacer of at least 125 amino acids in length; (3) a transmembrane domain; and (4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and a costimulatory signaling region; wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
  • the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the Vuregion comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:50, 51 and 47, respectively, and the Vuregion comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2,
  • the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region wherein: the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 118, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 119, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively or the amino acid sequence
  • the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and
  • the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 119, respectively; or the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l l and 12, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:119.
  • the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively.
  • the single chain antibody fragment is or comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv).
  • the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141.
  • the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
  • the spacer comprises a sequence of a hinge region, a CH2 and CH3 region.
  • the spacer comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge region or a modified IgG4 hinge region comprising at least one amino acid replacement compared to a human IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region.
  • the spacer is or comprises (i) the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162; (ii) a functional variant of SEQ ID NO: 162 that has at least at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162; or (iii) a contiguous portion of (i) or (ii) that is at least 125 amino acids in length.
  • the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
  • the cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3 ⁇ comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176.
  • the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of CD28, 4- IBB, or ICOS, or a signaling portion thereof. In some embodiments, the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of 4-1BB.
  • the costimulatory signaling region is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
  • the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain from CD4, CD28, or CD8.
  • the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain derived from CD28.
  • the CAR comprises: (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises: (i) a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and (ii) a variable light chain (VL) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
  • VH variable heavy chain
  • the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119. In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 173.
  • the intracellular signaling region comprises (a) a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176 and (b) and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4- IBB comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
  • CD3Q chain comprising the amino acid
  • the chimeric antigen receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 183.
  • the chimeric antigen receptor is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182 or a nucleic acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:182.
  • the dose of engineered cells comprises between about 1.0 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 10 9 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.0 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.0 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 2.5 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.0 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.0 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.25 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells and 1.2 x 10 9 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells and 1.2 x 10 9 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells and expressing T cells,
  • the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 1.5 x 10 7 , at or about 2.5 x 10 7 , at or about 5.0 x 10 7 , at or about 7.5 x 10 7 , at or about 1.5 x 10 8 , at or about 2.25 x 10 8 , at or about 3.0 x 10 8 , at or about 4.5 x 10 8 , at or about 6.0 x 10 8 , at or about 8.0 x 10 8 , or at or about 1.2 x 10 9 CAR-expressing T cells.
  • the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 7.5 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells.
  • the method further comprises administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to administration of the CAR-T cell therapy.
  • the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of the CAR-expressing T cells.
  • the administration of the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 2 to 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of engineered T cells.
  • the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and/or cyclophosphamide.
  • the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
  • the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of cyclophosphamide at or about 200-400 mg/m 2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 300 mg/m 2 daily. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine at or about 20-40 mg/m 2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 30 mg/m 2 daily. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for 2-4 days, optionally for 3 days. [0041] In some embodiments, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of bendamustine.
  • the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine at or about 50-130 mg/m 2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 90 mg/m 2 daily. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine for 1-3 days, optionally for 2 days.
  • the method further comprises administering a bridging therapy to the subject after leukapheresis and prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy.
  • the subject has received one or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1, but no more than 3, prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 3 prior therapies. In some embodiments, the prior therapies are an proteasome inhibitor, an immumodulatory agent, an anti-CD38 antibody, a prior therapy that included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or a combination of any of the foregoing.
  • HSCT autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody in combination with the CAR-T cell therapy is such that the subject does not develop a toxicity characterized by one or more of: (i) Any Grade 4 CRS and Grade CRS that does not resolve to Grade ⁇ 2 within 72 hours; (ii) any duration Grade 3 ICANS or neurotoxicity (NT); (iii) a higher than Grade 3 toxicity involving vital organs (eg, cardiac, pulmonary) of any duration; (iv) all other Grade 3 toxicities not attributable to underlying disease or lymphodepleting chemotherapy that do not resolve to ⁇ Grade 2 within 72 hours, other than a non-CRS toxicity of the liver in which liver amino transferase levels > 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) are accompanied by an elevation of total bilirubin to >2 x ULN without initial findings of cholestasis (e.g., elevated serum alkaline phosphatase) for which no other reason can be found to explain the combination of increased
  • cholestasis
  • the subject does not develop a severe toxicity.
  • the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the subject is an adult human subject. In some embodiments, the subject is 18 years of age and older.
  • combination therapies involving administration of a T cell therapy (e.g., CAR-expressing T cells), and administration of a combination agent (e.g. a bispecfic antibody, such as a BCMA-directed T cell engager).
  • a combination agent e.g. a bispecfic antibody, such as a BCMA-directed T cell engager
  • combination therapies for treating a subject having a cancer involving administration of a T cell therapy e.g. CAR-T cells
  • an additional agent e.g. bispecific antibody; e.g. a BCMA-directed T cell engager
  • the methods and uses include administering to a subject T cells expressing genetically engineered (recombinant) cell surface receptors in adoptive cell therapy, which generally are chimeric receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) recognizing an antigen expressed by, associated with and/or specific to the cell type from which it is derived, in combination with a bispecfic antibody, such as a a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • chimeric receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) recognizing an antigen expressed by, associated with and/or specific to the cell type from which it is derived
  • a bispecfic antibody such as a a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • the method comprises the administration of a CAR- T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) to a subject followed by the administration of a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3.
  • CAR chimeric antigen receptor
  • GPRC5D human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D
  • BCMA B cell maturation antigen
  • the bispecific antibody is administered no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy.
  • the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • MM Multiple myeloma
  • Adoptive T cell therapies such as CAR-T cell therapies, have shown promise for treating multiple myeloma, with clinical efforts primarily focused on targeting the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA).
  • BCMA B cell maturation antigen
  • BCMA B cell maturation antigen
  • the subject has relapsed or is refractory (R/R) to one or more prior therapies, e.g., one or more lines of standard therapy.
  • the methods involve treating a subject having relapsed following remission after treatment with, or become refractory to, two or more prior therapies.
  • the subject has relapsed or is refractory (R/R) to two or more prior therapies, e.g., two or more lines of standard therapy.
  • the methods involve treating a subject having relapsed following remission after treatment with, or become refractory to, three or more prior therapies.
  • the subject has relapsed or is refractory (R/R) to three or more prior therapies, e.g., three or more lines of standard therapy.
  • the provided methods, compositions, uses and articles of manufacture achieve improved and superior responses to available therapies, including a T cell therapy alone or a combination agent (e.g. a bispecfic antibody) alone.
  • the improved or superior responses are compared to current standard of care (SOC).
  • the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors e.g., CARs
  • the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors is an anti-GPRC5D CAR that is administered to the subject in combination with the combination agent.
  • the combination agent is a bispecific antibody.
  • the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • the BCMA- directed T cell engager binds to BCMA and CD3.
  • the method comprises the administration combination therapy, wherein the combination therapy comprises CAR-T cell therapy and a bispecific antibody (e.g. BCMA-directed T cell engager).
  • the method comprises administration of a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a CAR that specifically binds human GPRC5D to a subject followed by the administration of a bispecific antibody that binds to BCMA and CD3.
  • the bispecific antibody is administered no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy.
  • the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptor (e.g., CAR) and/or engineered cells expressing said molecules (e.g., recombinant receptor) described herein are administered as part of a combination treatment or combination therapy, such as simultaneously with, sequentially with, or intermittently with, in any order, one or more additional therapeutic intervention involving administration of the BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • a combination treatment or combination therapy such as simultaneously with, sequentially with, or intermittently with, in any order, one or more additional therapeutic intervention involving administration of the BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • methods of combination treatment or combination therapy that includes GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors (e.g., CARs), cells and/or compositions described herein and one or more additional therapeutic intervention involving administration of the BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy methods of administering and uses of a combination comprising GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody.
  • Such methods and uses include therapeutic methods and uses, for example, involving administration of the combination to a subject having a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D such as a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D expression, and/or in which cells or tissues express, e.g., specifically express, GPRC5D.
  • the combination is administered in an effective amount to effect treatment of the disease or disorder.
  • the methods are carried out by administering the combination to the subject having, having had, or suspected of having the disease or condition.
  • the methods thereby treat the disease or condition or disorder in the subject.
  • use of the combination for the treatment of a disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D, such as use in a treatment regimen.
  • T cell therapy e.g., T cell therapy
  • the anti-GPRC5D CAR cell therapy e.g., T cell therapy
  • treatment refers to complete or partial amelioration or reduction of a disease or condition or disorder, or a symptom, adverse event, effect, or outcome, or phenotype associated therewith. Desirable effects of treatment include, but are not limited to, preventing occurrence or recurrence of disease, alleviation of symptoms, diminishment of any direct or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, preventing metastasis, decreasing the rate of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, and remission or improved prognosis. The terms do not imply complete curing of a disease or complete elimination of any symptom or effect(s) on all symptoms or outcomes.
  • adverse event refers to any new untoward medical occurrence or worsening of a pre-existing medical condition occurring in a clinical investigation participant after signing of informed consent, whether or not considered related to the study intervention.
  • An adverse event can therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign (such as an abnormal laboratory test result), symptom, or disease temporally associated with the study intervention.
  • delay development of a disease means to defer, hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, suppress and/or postpone development of the disease (such as cancer). This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on the history of the disease and/or subject being treated. As sufficient or significant delay can, in effect, encompass prevention, in that the subject does not develop the disease. For example, a late stage cancer, such as development of metastasis, may be delayed.
  • Preventing includes providing prophylaxis with respect to the occurrence or recurrence of a disease in a subject that may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed with the disease.
  • the provided molecules and compositions are used to delay development of a disease or to slow the progression of a disease.
  • a function or activity is to reduce the function or activity when compared to otherwise same conditions except for a condition or parameter of interest, or alternatively, as compared to another condition.
  • an antibody or composition or cell which suppresses tumor growth reduces the rate of growth of the tumor compared to the rate of growth of the tumor in the absence of the antibody or composition or cell.
  • pharmaceutical formulation refers to a preparation which is in such form as to permit the biological activity of an active ingredient contained therein to be effective, and which contains no additional components which are unacceptably toxic to a subject to which the formulation would be administered.
  • a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to an ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation, other than an active ingredient, which is nontoxic to a subject.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes, but is not limited to, a buffer, excipient, stabilizer, or preservative.
  • an “effective amount” of an agent e.g., a pharmaceutical formulation, binding molecule, antibody, cells, or composition, in the context of administration, refers to an amount effective, at dosages/amounts and for periods of time necessary, to achieve a desired result, such as a therapeutic or prophylactic result.
  • a “therapeutically effective amount” of an agent refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve a desired therapeutic result, such as for treatment of a disease, condition, or disorder, and/or pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic effect of the treatment.
  • the therapeutically effective amount may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the subject, and the populations of cells administered.
  • the provided methods involve administering the molecules, antibodies, cells, and/or compositions at effective amounts, e.g., therapeutically effective amounts.
  • a “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically, but not necessarily, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the prophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeutically effective amount.
  • a “subject” or an “individual” is a mammal.
  • a “mammal” includes humans, non-human primates, domestic and farm animals, and zoo, sports, or pet animals, such as dogs, horses, rabbits, cattle, pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets, rats, cats, monkeys, etc.
  • the subject is human.
  • any disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D or any disease or disorder in which GPRC5D is specifically expressed and/or in which GPRC5D has been targeted for treatment also referred to herein interchangeably as a “GPRC5D- associated disease or disorder”.
  • Cancers associated with GPRC5D expression include hematologic malignancies such as myeloma, e.g., multiple myeloma.
  • the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is a B cell-related disorder or malignancy.
  • the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’ s Macroglobulinemia.
  • the disease or disorder is multiple myeloma.
  • the provided embodiments are cells, populations, combinations, and compositions for administration to a subject having a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), e.g., via adoptive cell therapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy.
  • RRMM refractory multiple myeloma
  • the methods may identify a subject who has, is suspected to have, or is at risk for developing a GPRC5D-associated disease or disorder.
  • a subject who has, is suspected to have, or is at risk for developing a GPRC5D-associated disease or disorder may be identified.
  • a subject may be screened for the presence of a disease or disorder associated with elevated GPRC5D expression, such as a GPRC5D-expressing cancer.
  • the methods include screening for or detecting the presence of a GPRC5D- associated disease, e.g., a tumor.
  • a sample may be obtained from a patient suspected of having a disease or disorder associated with elevated GPRC5D expression and assayed for the expression level of GPRC5D.
  • a subject who tests positive for a GPRC5D-associated disease or disorder may be selected for treatment by the present methods, and may be administered a therapeutically effective amount of a combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody.
  • the subject has a history of relap sed/refractory multiple myeloma.
  • the subject has persistent or relapsed disease, e.g., following treatment with a BCMA-specific antibody and/or cells expressing a BCMA-targeting chimeric receptor and/or other therapy, including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT or or autologous HSCT.
  • HSCT hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • the administration effectively treats the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another GPRC5D-targeted therapy.
  • the subject has not relapsed but is determined to be at risk for relapse, such as at a high risk of relapse, and thus the compound or composition is administered prophylactically, e.g., to reduce the likelihood of or prevent relapse.
  • the subject is one that is eligible for a transplant, such as is eligible for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT or autologous HSCT.
  • HSCT hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • the subject has not previously received a transplant, despite being eligible, prior to administration of the combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody.
  • the subject is one that is not eligible for a transplant, such as is not eligible for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT or or autologous HSCT.
  • HSCT hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • such a subject is administered a combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody according to the provided embodiments herein.
  • the subject prior to the initiation of administration of the combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody, the subject has received one or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 3 prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 2 prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1 prior therapy. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least one, but not more than three, prior therapies.
  • the prior therapies include, but are not limited to, an immunomodulatory agent (e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide), a proteasome inhibitor (e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixaxomib), dexamethasone, an anti-CD38 antibody, and an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
  • an immunomodulatory agent e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide
  • a proteasome inhibitor e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixaxomib
  • dexamethasone e.g., an anti-CD38 antibody
  • HSCT autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • induction with or without HSCT and with or without maintenance therapy is considered 1 regimen.
  • the prior therapy comprises a prior therapy targeting BCMA
  • the subject has relapsed following, or has been refractory to, one or more of, for example, each, individually, of the one or more prior therapies.
  • the subject has undergone at least 2 consecutive cycles of treatment for each regimen unless progressive disease was the best response to the regimen.
  • the subject has undergone at least one complete cycle of treatment unless progressive disease was the best response to the treatment regimen.
  • the subject has been treated with at least one, but not greater than three prior antimyeloma treatment regimens, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent.
  • the methods described herein may be used in the treatment of diseases, conditions, and disorders in which GPRC5D is expressed.
  • the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is a B cell-related disorder or malignancy.
  • the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’ s Macroglobulinemia.
  • the disease or disorder is multiple myeloma.
  • the subject to be treated using the described method has a diagnosis of multiple myeloma with relapsed and/or refractory disease.
  • the method can involve including or excluding particular subjects for therapy with the provided anti-GPRC5D antibodies, recombinant receptors and/or cells comprising such receptors, based on particular criteria, diagnosis or indication.
  • the subject at the time of administration of the combination, the subject has not had active or history of plasma cell leukemia (PCL).
  • PCL plasma cell leukemia
  • the treatment does not induce an immune response by the subject to the therapy, and/or does not induce such a response to a degree that prevents effective treatment of the disease or condition.
  • the degree of immunogenicity and/or graft versus host response is less than that observed with a different but comparable treatment.
  • the disease or disorder to be treated is multiple myeloma.
  • measurable disease criteria for multiple myeloma can include (1) serum M- protein 1 g/dL or greater; (2) Urine M-protein 200 mg or greater/24 hour; (3) involved serum free light chain (sFLC) level 10 mg/dL or greater, with abnormal K to A ratio.
  • sFLC serum free light chain
  • light chain disease is acceptable only for subjects without measurable disease in the serum or urine.
  • the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status indicator can be used to assess or select subjects for treatment, e.g., subjects who have had poor performance from prior therapies (see, e.g., Oken et al. (1982) Am J Clin Oncol. 5:649-655).
  • the ECOG Scale of Performance Status describes a patient’s level of functioning in terms of their ability to care for themselves, daily activity, and physical ability (e.g., walking, working, etc.).
  • an ECOG performance status of 0 indicates that a subject can perform normal activity.
  • subjects with an ECOG performance status of 1 exhibit some restriction in physical activity but the subject is fully ambulatory.
  • patients with an ECOG performance status of 2 is more than 50% ambulatory.
  • the subject with an ECOG performance status of 2 may also be capable of selfcare; see e.g., Sprensen et al., (1993) Br J Cancer 67(4) 773-775.
  • the subject that are to be administered according to the methods or treatment regimen provided herein include those with an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.
  • the administration can treat the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another therapy.
  • the combination when administered to subjects according to the embodiments described herein, is capable of achieving objective response (OR), in at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of subjects that were administered.
  • OR includes subjects who achieve stringent complete response (sCR), complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR), partial response (PR) and minimal response (MR).
  • the combination when administered to subjects according to the embodiments described herein, is capable of achieving stringent complete response (sCR), complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR) or partial response (PR), in at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 85% of subjects that were administered.
  • combination when administered to subjects according to the embodiments described herein, combination is capable of achieving stringent complete response (sCR) or complete response (CR) in at least 20%, 30%, 40% 50%, 60% or 70% of subjects that were administered.
  • treatment according to the provided methods can result in a lower rate and/or lower degree of toxicity, toxic outcome or symptom, toxicity-promoting profile, factor, or property, such as a symptom or outcome associated with or indicative of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity, such as severe CRS or severe neurotoxicity, for example, compared to administration of other therapies.
  • CRS cytokine release syndrome
  • the provided polynucleotides are those that encode recombinant receptors, such as antigen receptors, that specifically bind GPRC5D.
  • the encoded receptors such as those containing GPRC5D-binding polypeptides, and compositions and articles of manufacture and uses of the same, also are provided.
  • the GPRC5D-binding polypeptides are antibodies, such as single-chain antibodies (e.g., antigen binding antibody fragments), or portions thereof.
  • the recombinant receptors are chimeric antigen receptors, such as those containing anti- GPRC5D antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, in the provided CAR is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as a single chain variable fragment (scFv) or a diabody or a single domain antibody (sdAb).
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single domain antibody comprising only the VH region.
  • the antibody or antigen binding fragment is an scFv comprising a heavy chain variable (VH) region and a light chain variable (VL) region.
  • the provided CARs contain anti-GPRC5D antibodies that include single-chain antibody fragments, such as scFvs and diabodies, particularly human single-chain antibody fragments, typically comprising linker(s) joining two antibody domains or regions, such VH and VL regions.
  • the linker typically is a peptide linker, e.g., a flexible and/or soluble peptide linker, such as one rich in glycine and serine.
  • the linkers generally are between about 5 and about 50 amino acids in length, typically between at or about 10 and at or about 30, e.g., 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, and in some examples between 10 and 25 amino acids in length.
  • Exemplary linkers include linkers having various numbers of repeats of the sequence GGGGS (4GS; SEQ ID NO: 125) or GGGS (3GS; SEQ ID NO: 126), such as between 2, 3, 4, and 5 repeats of such a sequence.
  • Exemplary linkers include those having or consisting of a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127 (GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS).
  • the provided embodiments include single-chain antibody fragments, e.g., scFvs, comprising one or more of the aforementioned linkers, such as glycine/serine rich linkers, including linkers having repeats of GGGS (SEQ ID NO: 126) or GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 125), such as the linker set forth in SEQ ID NO: 124, 127 or 129.
  • linkers such as glycine/serine rich linkers, including linkers having repeats of GGGS (SEQ ID NO: 126) or GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 125), such as the linker set forth in SEQ ID NO: 124, 127 or 129.
  • an scFv of the extracellular domain of a CAR provided herein is encoded by the nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 144-157, or has a nucleotide sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 144-157.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 15, 16 and 17, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 25, 26, and 27, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 20, 21 and 17, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 25, 26, and 27, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 22, 23 and 24, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 28, 29 and 27, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 130 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 130.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 144 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 131 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 131.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:4.
  • the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 117.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 30, 31, 32, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 33, 34 and 32, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 40, 41 and 42, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 35, 36 and 32, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 40, 41 and 42, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 37, 38 and 39, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 43, 44 and 42, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 132 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 132.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 146 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 146.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 133 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 133.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 147 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 147.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:6.
  • the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 118.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 45, 46, 47, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 55, 56 and 57, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 48, 49 and 47, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 55, 56 and 57, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 50, 51 and 47, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 55, 56 and 57, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 52, 53 and 54, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 58, 59 and 57, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 134 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 134.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 148 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 148.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 135 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 135.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 149 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 149.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:8.
  • the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 60, 61 and 62, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 70, 71 and 72, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 63, 64 and 62, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 70, 71 and 72, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 65, 66 and 62, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 70, 71 and 72, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 67, 68 and 69, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 73, 74 and 72, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 136 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 136.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 150 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 150.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 137.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 151 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:151.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:9; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:9; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 120.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 75, 76 and 77, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 85, 86 and 87, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 78, 79 and 77, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 85, 86 and 87, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 80, 81 and 77, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 85, 86 and 87, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 82, 83 and 84, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 88, 89 and 87, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 138 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 138.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 152 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 152.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 139 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 139.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 153 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 153.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 12.
  • the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:121.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 75, 90 and 91, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 97, 98 and 99, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 92, 93 and 91, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 97, 98 and 99, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 80, 94 and 91, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 97, 98 and 99, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 82, 95 and 96, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 100, 101 and 99, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 140 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 140.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 154 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 154.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:141 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 141.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 155 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:155.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14.
  • the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 122.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 102, 103 and 104, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26, 113, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 105, 106 and 104, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26 and 113, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 107, 108 and 104, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26 and 113, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 109, 110, 111, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 114, 29 and 115, respectively.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 109, 110, 111, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 114, 29 and 123, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 142 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 142.
  • the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 156 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 156.
  • the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 143 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 143.
  • the recombinant receptor such as a CAR comprising an antibody (e.g., antigen-binding fragment) provided herein, further includes a spacer, which may be or include at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region or variant or modified version thereof.
  • the portion of the immunoglobulin constant regon includes a hinge region, e.g., an IgG4 hinge region, and/or a CHI, CH2 or CH3 and/or Fc region.
  • the constant region or portion is of a human IgG, such as IgG4 or IgGl.
  • the portion of the constant region serves as a spacer region between the antigen-recognition component, such as antigen-binding domain (e.g., scFv) and transmembrane domain.
  • the length of the spacer is adjusted to optimize the biophysical synapse distance between the CAR-expressing cell, such as a CAR-expressing cell, and the target of the CAR, such as a GPRC5D-expressing tumor cell.
  • the CAR is expressed by a T-cell, and the length of the spacer is adjusted to a length that is compatible for T-cell activation or to optimize CAR T-cell performance.
  • the spacer can be of a length that provides for increased responsiveness of the cell following antigen binding, as compared to in the absence of the spacer or as compared to an alternative spacer of a different length (e.g. shorter in length).
  • the spacer is at or about 12 amino acids in length or is no more than 12 amino acids in length.
  • the spacer is at least 100 amino acids in length, such as at least 110, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, or 250 amino acids in length.
  • Exemplary spacers include those having at least about 10 to 300 amino acids, about 10 to 200 amino acids, about 50 to 175 amino acids, about 50 to 150 amino acids, about 10 to 125 amino acids, about 50 to 100 amino acids, about 100 to 300 amino acids, about 100 to 250 amino acids, about 125 to 250 amino acids, or about 200 to 250 amino acids, and including any integer between the endpoints of any of the listed ranges.
  • a spacer region is at least about 12 amino acids, at least about 119 amino acids or less, at least about 125 amino acids, at least about 200 amino acids, or at least about 220 amino acids, or at least about 225 amino acids in length.
  • the spacer has a length of 125 to 300 amino acids in length, 125 to 250 amino acids in length, 125 to 230 amino acids in length, 125 to 200 amino acids in length, 125 to 180 amino acids in length, 125 to 150 amino acids in length, 150 to 300 amino acids in length, 150 to 250 amino acids in length, 150 to 230 amino acids in length, 150 to 200 amino acids in length, 150 to 180 amino acids in length, 180 to 300 amino acids in length, 180 to 250 amino acids in length, 180 to 230 amino acids in length, 180 to 200 amino acids in length, 200 to 300 amino acids in length, 200 to 250 amino acids in length, 200 to 230 amino acids in length, 230 to 300 amino acids in length, 230 to 250 amino acids in length or 250 to 300 amino acids in length.
  • the spacer is at least or at least about or is or is about 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228 or 229 amino acids in length, or a length between any of the foregoing.
  • Exemplary spacers include an IgG hinge alone, an IgG hinge linked to one or more of a CH2 and CH3 domain, or IgG hinge linked to the CH3 domain.
  • the IgG hinge, CH2 and/or CH3 can be derived all or in part from IgG4 or IgG2, such as all or in part from humam IgG4 or human IgG2.
  • the spacer can be a chimeric polypeptide containing one or more of a hinge, CH2 and/or CH3 sequence(s) derived from IgG4, IgG2, and/or IgG2 and IgG4.
  • the hinge region comprises all or a portion of an IgG4 hinge region and/or of an IgG2 hinge region, wherein the IgG4 hinge region is optionally a human IgG4 hinge region and the IgG2 hinge region is optionally a human IgG2 hinge region;
  • the CH2 region comprises all or a portion of an IgG4 CH2 region and/or of an IgG2 CH2 region, wherein the IgG4 CH2 region is optionally a human IgG4 CH2 region and the IgG2 CH2 region is optionally a human IgG2 CH2 region;
  • the CH3 region comprises all or a portion of an IgG4 CH3 region and/or of an IgG2 CH3 region, wherein the IgG4 CH3 region
  • the hinge, CH2 and CH3 comprises all or a portion of each of a hinge region, CH2 and CH3 from IgG4.
  • the hinge region is chimeric and comprises a hinge region from human IgG4 and human IgG2; the CH2 region is chimeric and comprises a CH2 region from human IgG4 and human IgG2; and/or the CH3 region is chimeric and comprises a CH3 region from human IgG4 and human IgG2.
  • the spacer comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge comprising at least one amino acid replacement compared to human IgG4 hinge region; an human IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and a human IgG4 CH3 region.
  • the spacer can be derived all or in part from IgG4 and/or IgG2 and can contain mutations, such as one or more single amino acid mutations in one or more domains.
  • the amino acid modification is a substitution of a proline (P) for a serine (S) in the hinge region of an IgG4.
  • the amino acid modification is a substitution of a glutamine (Q) for an asparagine (N) to reduce glycosylation heterogeneity, such as an N177Q mutation at position 177, in the CH2 region, of the full-length IgG4 Fc sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 158 or an N176Q at position 176, in the CH2 region, of the full-length IgG2 Fc sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 159.
  • the spacer is or comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region. In some embodiments, the spacer is about 228 amino acids in length.
  • the spacer is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162.
  • the spacer comprises the amino acid sequence ESKYGPPCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVWDVSQEDPEVQFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQFQSTYRWSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPSSIEKTISKAKGQP REPQVYTLPPSQEEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFF LYSRLTVDKSRWQEGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSLGK (SEQ ID NO: 162) [0156]
  • the spacer is encoded by a polynucleotide that has been optimized for codon expression and/or to eliminate splice sites such as cryptic splice sites.
  • the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164. In some embodiments, the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163. In some embodiments, the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 165. In some embodiments, the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 166.
  • Additional exemplary spacers include, but are not limited to, those described in Hudecek et al. (2013) Clin. Cancer Res., 19:3153, Hudecek et al. (2015) Cancer Immunol. Res., 3(2):125-135, or international patent application publication number WO2014031687.
  • the nucleotide sequence of the spacer is optimized to reduce RNA heterogeneity upon expression.
  • the nucleotide sequence of the spacer is optimized to reduce cryptic splice sites or reduce the likelihood of a splice event at a splice site.
  • the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 160, and is encoded by the polynucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 167. In some embodiments, the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:161. In some embodiments, the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 168.
  • the spacer has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162, encoded by the polynucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163, 164, 165 or 166 or a polynucleotide that exhibits at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 163, 164, 165 or 166.
  • the spacer has an amino acid sequence that exhibits at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162, encoded by a polynucleotide that has been optionally optimized for codon usage and/or to reduce RNA heterogeneity.
  • Methods to reduce RNA heterogeneity such as by removing cryptic splice donor and/or acceptor sites, are described below, such as in Section I.A.2.b.
  • the spacer in a provided CAR is encoded by a polynucleotide in which one or more cryptic splice donor and/or acceptor sites are eliminated and/or are modified to reduce heterogeneity of the RNA transcribed from the construct, such as mRNA, following expression in a cell.
  • the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164 (also set forth in SEQ ID NO: 171).
  • the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 165. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 166. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 172.
  • the spacer contains a hinge domain from CD28.
  • the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 170, and is encoded by the polynucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 169. c. Transmembrane domain and intracellular signaling components
  • the antigen-recognition component generally is linked to one or more intracellular signaling components, such as signaling components that mimic activation through an antigen receptor complex, such as a TCR complex, in the case of a CAR, and/or signal via another cell surface receptor.
  • a GPRC5D-binding molecule e.g., antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof
  • transmembrane domains such as those described herein and intracellular signaling domains comprising one or more intracellular components such as those described herein.
  • the transmembrane domain is fused to the extracellular domain.
  • a transmembrane domain that naturally is associated with one of the domains in the receptor e.g., CAR
  • the transmembrane domain is selected or modified by amino acid substitution to avoid binding of such domains to the transmembrane domains of the same or different surface membrane proteins to minimize interactions with other members of the receptor complex.
  • the transmembrane domain in some embodiments is derived either from a natural or from a synthetic source. Where the source is natural, the domain in some aspects is derived from any membrane-bound or transmembrane protein.
  • Transmembrane domains include those derived from (z.e. comprise at least the transmembrane domain(s) of) the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD3 epsilon, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD45, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, and/or CD154.
  • the transmembrane domain can be a CD28 transmembrane domain that comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 174 or SEQ ID NO: 175.
  • the transmembrane domain in some embodiments is synthetic.
  • the synthetic transmembrane domain comprises predominantly hydrophobic residues such as leucine and valine.
  • a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine will be found at each end of a synthetic transmembrane domain.
  • the linkage is by linkers, spacers, and/or transmembrane domain(s).
  • intracellular signaling domains are those that mimic or approximate a signal through a natural antigen receptor, a signal through such a receptor in combination with a costimulatory receptor, and/or a signal through a costimulatory receptor alone.
  • a short oligo- or polypeptide linker for example, a linker of between 2 and 10 amino acids in length, such as one containing glycines and serines, e.g., glycine-serine doublet, is present and forms a linkage between the transmembrane domain and the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR.
  • the receptor e.g., the CAR
  • the receptor generally includes an intracellular signaling region comprising at least one intracellular signaling component or components.
  • the receptor includes an intracellular component or signaling domain of a TCR complex, such as a TCR CD3 chain that mediates T-cell activation and cytotoxicity, e.g., CD3 zeta (CD3-Q chain.
  • a TCR complex such as a TCR CD3 chain that mediates T-cell activation and cytotoxicity, e.g., CD3 zeta (CD3-Q chain.
  • CD3 zeta CD3 zeta
  • the GPRC5D-binding antibody is linked to one or more cell signaling modules.
  • cell signaling modules include CD3 transmembrane domain, CD3 intracellular signaling domains, and/or other CD transmembrane domains.
  • the receptor e.g., CAR
  • the receptor further includes a portion of one or more additional molecules such as Fc receptor y, CD8, CD4, CD25, or CD16.
  • the CAR includes a chimeric molecule between CD3-zeta (CD3-Q or Fc receptor y and CD8, CD4, CD25 or CD16.
  • the cytoplasmic domain or intracellular signaling domain of the CAR stimulates and/or activates at least one of the normal effector functions or responses of the immune cell, e.g., T cell engineered to express the CAR.
  • the CAR induces a function of a T cell such as cytolytic activity or T-helper activity, such as secretion of cytokines or other factors.
  • a truncated portion of an intracellular signaling domain of an antigen receptor component or costimulatory molecule is used in place of an intact immuno stimulatory chain, for example, if it transduces the effector function signal.
  • the intracellular signaling domain or domains include the cytoplasmic sequences of the T cell receptor (TCR), and in some aspects also those of co-receptors that in the natural context act in concert with such receptor to initiate signal transduction following antigen receptor engagement, and/or any derivative or variant of such molecules, and/or any synthetic sequence that has the same functional capability.
  • TCR T cell receptor
  • full activation In the context of a natural TCR, full activation generally requires not only signaling through the TCR, but also a costimulatory signal.
  • a component for generating secondary or co-stimulatory signal is also included in the CAR.
  • the CAR does not include a component for generating a costimulatory signal.
  • an additional CAR is expressed in the same cell and provides the component for generating the secondary or costimulatory signal.
  • T cell activation is in some aspects described as being mediated by two classes of cytoplasmic signaling sequences: those that initiate antigen-dependent primary activation through the TCR (primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences), and those that act in an antigenindependent manner to provide a secondary or co-stimulatory signal (secondary cytoplasmic signaling sequences).
  • primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences those that initiate antigen-dependent primary activation through the TCR
  • secondary cytoplasmic signaling sequences those that act in an antigenindependent manner to provide a secondary or co-stimulatory signal.
  • the CAR includes one or both of such classes of cytoplasmic signaling sequences.
  • the CAR includes a primary cytoplasmic signaling sequence that regulates primary stimulation and/or activation of the TCR complex.
  • Primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences that act in a stimulatory manner may contain signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs or IT AMs.
  • IT AM containing primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences include those derived from TCR or CD3 zeta, FcR gamma, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta and CD3 epsilon.
  • the intracellular signaling region in the CAR contain(s) a cytoplasmic signaling domain, portion thereof, or sequence derived from CD3 zeta.
  • the CD3 zeta comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 177 or SEQ ID NO: 178.
  • the CAR includes a signaling domain (e.g., an intracellular or cytoplasmic signaling domain) and/or transmembrane portion of a costimulatory molecule, such as a T cell costimulatory molecule.
  • a costimulatory molecule include CD28, 4- IBB, 0X40, DAP10, and ICOS.
  • a costimulatory molecule can be derived from 4-1BB and can comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179, encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 180 or SEQ ID NO: 181.
  • the same CAR includes both the stimulatory or activating components e.g., cytoplasmic signaling sequence) and costimulatory components.
  • the stimulatory or activating components are included within one CAR, whereas the costimulatory component is provided by another CAR recognizing another antigen.
  • the CARs include activating or stimulatory CARs, and costimulatory CARs, both expressed on the same cell (see WO 2014/055668).
  • the GPRC5D-targeting CAR is the stimulatory or activating CAR; in other aspects, it is the costimulatory CAR.
  • the cells further include inhibitory CARs (iCARs, see Fedorov et al., Sci. Transl.
  • the intracellular signaling region comprises a CD28 transmembrane and signaling domain linked to a CD3 (e.g., CD3-zeta) intracellular domain.
  • the intracellular signaling domain comprises a chimeric CD28 and 4- IBB (CD137; TNFRSF9) co-stimulatory domains, linked to a CD3 zeta intracellular domain.
  • the CAR encompasses one or more, e.g., two or more, costimulatory domains and a stimulatory or an activation domain, e.g., primary activation domain, in the cytoplasmic portion.
  • exemplary CARs include intracellular components of CD3- zeta, CD28, and 4- IBB.
  • anti-GPRC5D CAR contains an extracellular antigen-binding domain containing any of the anti-GPRC5D antibody or antigenbinding fragments described herein, such as in Section LAI; a spacer comprising an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region, such as one that is about 228 amino acids in length, or a spacer set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162, such as encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOS: 163, 164, 165 or 166; a transmembrane domain, such as a transmembrane domain from a human CD28 ; and an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and an intracellular signaling domain of a T cell costimulatory molecule.
  • a spacer comprising an IgG4/2 chimeric
  • the transmembrane domain is or comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173.
  • the intracellular signaling domain of a T cell costimulatory molecule is an intracellular signaling domain of human CD28, human 4- IBB or human ICOS or a signaling portion thereof.
  • the intracellular signaling domain is an intracellular signaling domain of human 4-1BB.
  • the intracellular signaling domain is or comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
  • the cytoplasmic signaling domain is a human CD3-zeta cytoplasmic signaling domain, such as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176.
  • the intracellular signaling region comprises the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 and SEQ ID NO: 179.
  • an anti-GPRC5D CARs has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183, or an amino acid sequence that is at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183.
  • an anti-GPRC5D CAR is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182 or a nucleotide sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NO: 182.
  • an anti-GPRC5D CARs has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:208, or an amino acid sequence that is at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:208.
  • an anti-GPRC5D CAR is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:209 or a nucleotide sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NO:209.
  • the cells are genetically engineered to express a recombinant receptor.
  • the engineering is carried out by introducing polynucleotides that encode the recombinant receptor.
  • polynucleotides encoding a recombinant receptor and vectors or constructs containing such nucleic acids and/or polynucleotides.
  • the nucleic acid sequence encoding the recombinant receptor contains a signal sequence that encodes a signal peptide.
  • the signal sequence may encode a signal peptide derived from a native polypeptide.
  • the signal sequence may encode a heterologous or non-native signal peptide.
  • the nucleic acid sequence encoding the recombinant receptor e.g., chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) contains a signal sequence that encodes a signal peptide.
  • the polynucleotide encoding the recombinant receptor contains at least one promoter that is operatively linked to control expression of the recombinant receptor. In some examples, the polynucleotide contains two, three, or more promoters operatively linked to control expression of the recombinant receptor.
  • each of the polypeptide chains can be encoded by a separate nucleic acid molecule.
  • two separate nucleic acids are provided, and each can be individually transferred or introduced into the cell for expression in the cell.
  • the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor and the nucleic acid encoding the marker are operably linked to the same promoter and are optionally separated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), or a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving peptide or a peptide that causes ribosome skipping, which optionally is a T2A, a P2A, an E2A or an F2A.
  • the nucleic acids encoding the marker and the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor are operably linked to two different promoters.
  • the nucleic acid encoding the marker and the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor are present or inserted at different locations within the genome of the cell.
  • the polynucleotide encoding the recombinant receptor is introduced into a composition containing cultured cells, such as by retroviral transduction, transfection, or transformation.
  • the coding sequences encoding each of the different polypeptide chains can be operatively linked to a promoter, which can be the same or different.
  • the nucleic acid molecule can contain a promoter that drives the expression of two or more different polypeptide chains.
  • such nucleic acid molecules can be multicistronic (bicistronic or tricistronic, see e.g., U.S. Patent No. 6,060,273).
  • transcription units can be engineered as a bicistronic unit containing an IRES (internal ribosome entry site), which allows coexpression of gene products ((e.g. encoding the marker and encoding the recombinant receptor) by a message from a single promoter.
  • a single promoter may direct expression of an RNA that contains, in a single open reading frame (ORF), two or three genes (e.g. encoding the marker and encoding the recombinant receptor) separated from one another by sequences encoding a selfcleavage peptide (e.g., 2A sequences) or a protease recognition site (e.g., furin).
  • ORF open reading frame
  • the ORF thus encodes a single polypeptide, which, either during (in the case of 2A) or after translation, is processed into the individual proteins.
  • the peptide such as a T2A
  • Various 2A elements are known.
  • 2A sequences that can be used in the methods and system disclosed herein, without limitation, 2A sequences from the foot-and-mouth disease virus (F2A), equine rhinitis A virus (E2A), Thosea asigna virus (T2A), and porcine teschovirus-1 (P2A) as described in U.S. Patent Publication No.
  • F2A foot-and-mouth disease virus
  • E2A equine rhinitis A virus
  • T2A Thosea asigna virus
  • P2A porcine teschovirus-1
  • any of the recombinant receptors described herein can be encoded by polynucleotides containing one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding recombinant receptors, in any combinations or arrangements.
  • one, two, three or more polynucleotides can encode one, two, three or more different polypeptides, e.g., recombinant receptors.
  • one vector or construct contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding marker
  • a separate vector or construct contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding a recombinant receptor, e.g., CAR.
  • nucleic acid encoding the marker and the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor are operably linked to two different promoters. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor is present downstream of the nucleic acid encoding the marker.
  • the vector backbone contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more marker(s).
  • the one or more marker(s) is a transduction marker, surrogate marker and/or a selection marker.
  • the marker is a transduction marker or a surrogate marker.
  • a transduction marker or a surrogate marker can be used to detect cells that have been introduced with the polynucleotide, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a recombinant receptor.
  • the transduction marker can indicate or confirm modification of a cell.
  • the surrogate marker is a protein that is made to be co-expressed on the cell surface with the recombinant receptor, e.g. CAR.
  • such a surrogate marker is a surface protein that has been modified to have little or no activity.
  • the surrogate marker is encoded on the same polynucleotide that encodes the recombinant receptor.
  • the nucleic acid sequence encoding the recombinant receptor is operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker, optionally separated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), or a nucleic acid encoding a selfcleaving peptide or a peptide that causes ribosome skipping, such as a 2A sequence, such as a T2A, a P2A, an E2A or an F2A.
  • Extrinsic marker genes may in some cases be utilized in connection with engineered cell to permit detection or selection of cells and, in some cases, also to promote cell suicide.
  • Exemplary surrogate markers can include truncated forms of cell surface polypeptides, such as truncated forms that are non-functional and to not transduce or are not capable of transducing a signal or a signal ordinarily transduced by the full-length form of the cell surface polypeptide, and/or do not or are not capable of internalizing.
  • Exemplary truncated cell surface polypeptides including truncated forms of growth factors or other receptors such as a truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (tHER2), a truncated epidermal growth factor receptor (tEGFR, exemplary tEGFR sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:254 or 255) or a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or modified form thereof.
  • tEGFR may contain an epitope recognized by the antibody cetuximab (Erbitux®) or other therapeutic anti-EGFR antibody or binding molecule, which can be used to identify or select cells that have been engineered with the tEGFR construct and an encoded exogenous protein, and/or to eliminate or separate cells expressing the encoded exogenous protein.
  • the marker e.g. surrogate marker
  • the marker includes all or part (e.g., truncated form) of CD34, a NGFR, a CD19 or a truncated CD19, e.g., a truncated non-human CD19, or epidermal growth factor receptor (e.g., tEGFR).
  • the marker is or comprises a fluorescent protein, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), such as super-fold GFP (sfGFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP), such as tdTomato, mCherry, mStrawberry, AsRed2, DsRed or DsRed2, cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), blue green fluorescent protein (BFP), enhanced blue fluorescent protein (EBFP), and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), and variants thereof, including species variants, monomeric variants, and codon-optimized and/or enhanced variants of the fluorescent proteins.
  • the marker is or comprises an enzyme, such as a luciferase, the lacZ gene from E.
  • coli alkaline phosphatase, secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP), chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT).
  • exemplary light-emitting reporter genes include luciferase (luc), P-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), P-glucuronidase (GUS) or variants thereof.
  • the marker is a selection marker.
  • the selection marker is or comprises a polypeptide that confers resistance to exogenous agents or drugs.
  • the selection marker is an antibiotic resistance gene.
  • the selection marker is an antibiotic resistance gene confers antibiotic resistance to a mammalian cell.
  • the selection marker is or comprises a Puromycin resistance gene, a Hygromycin resistance gene, a Blasticidin resistance gene, a Neomycin resistance gene, a Geneticin resistance gene or a Zeocin resistance gene or a modified form thereof.
  • the molecule is a non-self molecule, e.g., non-self protein, i.e., one that is not recognized as “self’ by the immune system of the host into which the cells will be adoptively transferred.
  • the marker serves no therapeutic function and/or produces no effect other than to be used as a marker for genetic engineering, e.g., for selecting cells successfully engineered.
  • the marker may be a therapeutic molecule or molecule otherwise exerting some desired effect, such as a ligand for a cell to be encountered in vivo, such as a costimulatory or immune checkpoint molecule to enhance and/or dampen responses of the cells upon adoptive transfer and encounter with ligand.
  • the nucleic acid encoding the marker is operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding for a linker sequence, such as a cleavable linker sequence, e.g., a T2A.
  • a linker sequence such as a cleavable linker sequence, e.g., a T2A.
  • a marker, and optionally a linker sequence can be any as disclosed in PCT Pub. No. WO2014031687.
  • the marker can be a truncated EGFR (tEGFR) that is, optionally, linked to a linker sequence, such as a T2A cleavable linker sequence.
  • tEGFR truncated EGFR
  • An exemplary polypeptide for a truncated EGFR e.g.
  • tEGFR comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 254 or 255 or a sequence of amino acids that exhibits at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 254 or 255.
  • recombinant nucleic acids are transferred into cells using recombinant infectious virus particles, such as, e.g., vectors derived from simian virus 40 (SV40), adenoviruses, adeno-associated virus (AAV).
  • recombinant nucleic acids are transferred into T cells using recombinant lentiviral vectors or retroviral vectors, such as gamma-retroviral vectors (see, e.g., Koste et al. (2014) Gene Therapy, 2014 Apr 3. doi: 10.1038/gt.2014.25; Carlens et al. (2000) Exp.
  • the vector is an adeno-associated virus (AAV).
  • AAV adeno-associated virus
  • the retroviral vector has a long terminal repeat sequence (LTR), e.g., a retroviral vector derived from the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV), myeloproliferative sarcoma virus (MPSV), murine embryonic stem cell virus (MESV), murine stem cell virus (MSCV), spleen focus forming virus (SFFV).
  • LTR long terminal repeat sequence
  • MoMLV Moloney murine leukemia virus
  • MPSV myeloproliferative sarcoma virus
  • MSV murine embryonic stem cell virus
  • MSCV murine stem cell virus
  • SFFV spleen focus forming virus
  • retroviral vectors are derived from murine retroviruses.
  • the retroviruses include those derived from any avian or mammalian cell source.
  • the retroviruses typically are amphotropic, meaning that they are capable of infecting host cells of several species, including humans.
  • the gene to be expressed replaces the retroviral gag, pol and/or env sequences.
  • retroviral systems e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,219,740; 6,207,453; 5,219,740; Miller and Rosman (1989) BioTechniques 7:980-990; Miller, A. D. (1990) Human Gene Therapy 1:5-14; Scarpa et al. (1991) Virology 180:849-852; Burns et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:8033-8037; and Boris-Lawrie and Temin (1993) Cur. Opin. Genet. Develop. 3:102-109.
  • the cells may be transfected either during or after expansion e.g. with a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).
  • TCR T cell receptor
  • CAR chimeric antigen receptor
  • This transfection for the introduction of the gene of the desired receptor can be carried out with any suitable retroviral vector, for example.
  • the genetically modified cell population can then be liberated from the initial stimulus (the anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulus, for example) and subsequently be stimulated with a second type of stimulus e.g. via a de novo introduced receptor).
  • This second type of stimulus may include an antigenic stimulus in form of a peptide/MHC molecule, the cognate (cross-linking) ligand of the genetically introduced receptor (e.g.
  • a vector may be used that does not require that the cells, e.g., T cells, are activated. In some such instances, the cells may be selected and/or transduced prior to activation. Thus, the cells may be engineered prior to, or subsequent to culturing of the cells, and in some cases at the same time as or during at least a portion of the culturing.
  • genes for introduction are those to improve the efficacy of therapy, such as by promoting viability and/or function of transferred cells; genes to provide a genetic marker for selection and/or evaluation of the cells, such as to assess in vivo survival or localization; genes to improve safety, for example, by making the cell susceptible to negative selection in vivo as described by Lupton S. D. et al., Mol. and Cell Biol., 11:6 (1991); and Riddell et al., Human Gene Therapy 3:319-338 (1992); see also the publications of PCT/US91/08442 and PCT/US 94/05601 by Lupton et al.
  • polynucleotides encoding the chimeric antigen receptors and/or portions, e.g., chains, thereof.
  • polynucleotides include those encompassing natural and/or non-naturally occurring nucleotides and bases, e.g., including those with backbone modifications.
  • nucleic acid molecule may be used interchangeably, and refer to a polymer of nucleotides.
  • nucleic acid sequence refers to the linear sequence of nucleotides that comprise the nucleic acid molecule or polynucleotide.
  • the polynucleotide encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor contains a signal sequence that encodes a signal peptide, in some cases encoded upstream of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor, or joined at the 5’ terminus of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the antigen-binding domain.
  • the polynucleotide containing nucleic acid sequences encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor e.g., chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)
  • the signal sequence may encode a signal peptide derived from a native polypeptide.
  • the signal sequence may encode a heterologous or non-native signal peptide.
  • non-limiting exemplary signal peptide include a signal peptide of the IgG kappa chain set forth in SEQ ID NO: 185, or encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 184 or 186-189.
  • a non-limiting exemplary signal peptide includes a signal peptide of a GMCSFR alpha chain set forth in SEQ ID NO: 191 and encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 190.
  • a non-limiting exemplary signal peptide includes a signal peptide of a CD8 alpha signal peptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 192. In some aspects, a non-limiting exemplary signal peptide includes a signal peptide of a CD33 signal peptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 193.
  • the polynucleotide encoding the GPRC5D- binding receptor can contain nucleic acid sequence encoding additional molecules, such as a surrogate marker or other markers, or can contain additional components, such as promoters, regulatory elements and/or multicistronic elements. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor can be operably linked to any of the additional components.
  • polynucleotide constructs encoding a CAR that are codon diverged.
  • a polynucleotide construct encodes a CAR capable of binding GPRC5D, such as any CAR as described herein.
  • cells express an anti- GPRC5D CAR as a therapeutic agent against multiple myeloma plasma cells.
  • the polynucleotide constructs are codon diverged to improve expression the CAR encoded by the polynucleotide.
  • CARs are those encoded by polynucleotides that are optimized, or contain certain features designed for optimization, such as for codon usage, to reduce RNA heterogeneity and/or to modify, e.g., increase or render more consistent among cell product lots, expression, such as surface expression, of the encoded receptor.
  • polynucleotides, encoding GPRC5D-binding cell surface proteins are modified as compared to a reference polynucleotide, such as to remove cryptic or hidden splice sites, to reduce RNA heterogeneity.
  • polynucleotides, encoding GPRC5D-binding cell surface proteins are codon optimized, such as for expression in a mammalian, e.g., human, cell, such as in a human T cell.
  • the modified polynucleotides result in in improved, e.g., increased or more uniform or more consistent level of, expression, e.g., surface expression, when expressed in a cell.
  • Such polynucleotides can be utilized in constructs for generation of engineered cells that express the encoded GPRC5D- binding cell surface protein.
  • cells such as T cells, engineered to express a polynucleotide encoding a provided polynucleotide, including polynucleotides encoding a CAR, and compositions containing such cells.
  • the polynucleotide constructs are codon optimized for expression in a human cell.
  • one or more splice donor and/or acceptor sites in a polynucleotide construct is modified to reduce heterogeneity of the RNA transcribed from the construct, such as mRNA, following expression in a cell.
  • the polynucleotides are modified by optimization of the codons for expression in humans.
  • codon optimization can be considered before and/or after the steps for splice site identification and/or splice site elimination, and/or at each of the iterative steps for reducing RNA heterogeneity.
  • Codon optimization generally involves balancing the percentages of codons selected with the abundance, e.g., published abundance, of human transfer RNAs, for example, so that none is overloaded or limiting. In some cases, such balancing is necessary or useful because most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon, and codon usage generally varies from organism to organism.
  • codons are chosen to select for those codons that are in balance with human usage frequency.
  • the redundancy of the codons for amino acids is such that different codons code for one amino acid.
  • the resulting mutation is a silent mutation such that the codon change does not affect the amino acid sequence.
  • the last nucleotide of the codon e.g., at the third position
  • polynucleotides in which one or more potential splice donor and/or splice acceptor sites have been identified and the nucleic acid sequence at or near the one or more of the identified splice donor sites has been modified.
  • the resulting modified nucleic acid sequence(s) is/are then synthesized and used to transduce cells to test for splicing as indicated by RNA heterogeneity.
  • polynucleotides such as those encoding any of the antibodies, receptors (such as antigen receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors) and/or GPRC5D- specific binding proteins provided herein, that are or have been modified to reduce heterogeneity or contain one or more nucleic acid sequences observed herein (such as by the optimization methods) to result in improved features of the polypeptides, such as the CARs, as compared to those containing distinct, reference, sequences or that have not been modified.
  • RNA heterogeneity such as that resulting from the presence of one or more splice sites, such as one or more cryptic splice sites, and/or improved expression and/or surface expression of the encoded protein, such as increased levels, uniformity, or consistency of expression among cells or different therapeutic cell compositions engineered to express the polypeptides.
  • Genomic nucleic acid sequences generally, in nature, in a mammalian cell, undergo processing co-transcriptionally or immediately following transcription, wherein a nascent precursor messenger ribonucleic acid (pre-mRNA), transcribed from a genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, is in some cases edited by way of splicing, to remove introns, followed by ligation of the exons in eukaryotic cells.
  • pre-mRNA messenger ribonucleic acid
  • DNA genomic deoxyribonucleic acid
  • Consensus sequences for splice sites are known, but in some aspects, specific nucleotide information defining a splice site may be complex and may not be readily apparent based on available methods.
  • Cryptic splice sites are splice sites that are not predicted based on the standard consensus sequences and are variably activated. Hence, variable splicing of pre-mRNA at cryptic splice sites leads to heterogeneity in the transcribed mRNA products upon expression in eukaryotic cells.
  • Polynucleotides generated for the expression of transgenes are typically constructed from nucleic acid sequences, such as complementary DNA (cDNA), or portions thereof, that do not contain introns. Thus, splicing of such sequences is not expected to occur. However, the presence of cryptic splice sites within the cDNA sequence can lead to unintended or undesired splicing reactions and heterogeneity in the transcribed mRNA. Such heterogeneity results in translation of unintended protein products, such as truncated protein products with variable amino acid sequences that exhibit modified expression and/or activity.
  • cDNA complementary DNA
  • eliminating splice sites can improve or optimize expression of a transgene product, such as a polypeptide translated from the transgene, such as an anti-GPRC5D CAR polypeptide.
  • Splicing at cryptic splice sites of an encoded transgene, such as an encoded GPRC5D CAR molecule can lead to reduced protein expression, e.g., expression on cell surfaces, and/or reduced function, e.g., reduced intracellular signaling.
  • polynucleotides, encoding anti-GPRC5D CAR proteins that have been optimized to reduce or eliminate cryptic splice sites.
  • polynucleotides encoding anti-GPRC5D CAR proteins that have been optimized for codon expression and/or in which one or more sequence, such as one identified by the methods or observations herein regarding splice sites, is present, and/or in which an identified splice site, such as any of the identified splice sites herein, is not present.
  • the provided polynucleotides are those exhibiting below a certain degree of RNA heterogeneity or splice forms when expressed under certain conditions and/or introduced into a specified cell type, such as a human T cell, such as a primary human T cell, and cells and compositions and articles of manufacture containing such polypeptides and/or exhibiting such properties.
  • the RNA heterogeneity of transcribed RNA is reduced by greater than or greater than about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more compared to a polynucleotide that has not been modified to remove cryptic splice sites and/or by codon optimization.
  • the provided polynucleotides encoding an anti-GPRC5D CAR exhibit RNA homogeneity of transcribed RNA that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% or greater.
  • RNA heterogeneity can be determined by any of a number of methods provided herein or described or known.
  • RNA heterogeneity of a transcribed nucleic acid is determined by amplifying the transcribed nucleic acid, such as by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by detecting one or more differences, such as differences in size, in the one or more amplified products.
  • RT-PCR reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
  • the RNA heterogeneity is determined based on the number of differently sized amplified products, or the proportion of various differently sized amplified products.
  • RNA such as total RNA or cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNA
  • RT-PCR reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
  • At least one primer complementary to a sequence in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and at least one primer complementary to a sequence in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) are employed to amplify the transgene.
  • RNA such as messenger RNA
  • Non-limiting, exemplary methods include agarose gel electrophoresis, chip-based capillary electrophoresis, analytical centrifugation, field flow fractionation, and chromatography, such as size exclusion chromatography or liquid chromatography.
  • the presence of potential cryptic splice sites can result in RNA heterogeneity of the transcript following expression in a cell.
  • the one or more potential splice sites that can be present in the transgene transcript, that are not desired and/or that may be created in a transgene transcript from various underlying sequences are identified, following codon optimization of a transcript and/or by mutation or mistake or error in transcription.
  • the splice donor sites and splice acceptor sites are identified independently.
  • the splice acceptor and/or donor site(s) is/are canonical, non-canonical, and/or cryptic splice acceptor and/or donor site(s).
  • one or more potential splice site e.g., canonical, non- canonical, and/or cryptic splice acceptor and/or donor site(s) or branch sites
  • a polynucleotide such as a polynucleotide encoding a transgene, such as a recombinant receptor, that may exhibit RNA heterogeneity
  • polypeptides having reduced numbers of such splice sites as compared to such reference polynucleotides.
  • identification of the one or more splice sites in a nucleic acid sequence is an iterative process.
  • splice sites can be identified using a splice site and/or codon optimization prediction tool, such as by submitting the starting or reference sequence encoding the transgene, such as a GPRC5D-binding receptor, e.g., anti- GPRC5D, to a database, a gene synthesis vendor or other source able to computationally or algorithmically compare the starting or reference sequence to identify or predict splice sites and/or for codon optimization and/or splice site removal.
  • a splice site and/or codon optimization prediction tool such as by submitting the starting or reference sequence encoding the transgene, such as a GPRC5D-binding receptor, e.g., anti- GPRC5D, to a database, a gene synthesis vendor or other source able to computationally or algorithmically compare the starting or reference sequence to identify or predict splice sites and
  • one or more further assessment of a sequence is carried out to further evaluate for splice site removal, such as cryptic splice sites, using one or more other or additional splice site prediction tool(s).
  • RNA heterogeneity can be a result of the activity of the spliceosome present in a eukaryotic cell.
  • splicing is typically carried out in a series of reactions catalyzed by the spliceosome.
  • Consensus sequences for splice sites are known, but in some aspects, specific nucleotide information defining a splice site may be complex and may not be readily apparent based on available methods.
  • Cryptic splice sites are splice sites that are not predicted based on the standard consensus sequences and are variably activated.
  • variable splicing of pre-mRNA at cryptic splice sites leads to heterogeneity in the transcribed mRNA products following expression in eukaryotic cells.
  • a donor site usually at the 5’ end of the intron
  • a branch site near the 3’ end of the intron
  • an acceptor site 3’ end of the intron
  • the splice donor site can include a GU sequence at the 5’ end of the intron, with a large less highly conserved region.
  • the splice acceptor site at the 3’ end of the intron can terminatewith an AG sequence.
  • one or more splice donor and/or splice acceptor site(s), such as the potential splice donor and/or acceptor sites that may be involved in a cryptic splicing event that is not desired or that results in undesired RNA heterogeneity is eliminated.
  • eliminating one or more splice sites comprises modifying one or more nucleotides (e.g., by substitution or replacement) in, at, containing or near the splice donor and/or acceptor sites that are candidates for removal.
  • a particular nucleotide within a codon that is at, contains or is near the splice site is modified (e.g., substituted or replaced).
  • the modification retains or preserves the amino acid encoded by the particular codon at the site, at the same time removing the potential splice donor and/or acceptor sites.
  • the codon at or near the splice site for modification comprises one or more codons that involve one or both of the two nucleotides at the potential splice site (in some cases referred to as “splice site codon”).
  • splice site codon When the potential splicing is predicted to occur between two nucleotides in a codon, the codon is the only splice site codon for this splice site. If the potential splicing is predicted to occur between two adjacent codons, for example, between the last nucleotide of the first codon and the first nucleotide of the next codon, the two codons are splice site codons.
  • the two adjacent codons can be candidates for nucleotide modification.
  • the one or more codons comprise one splice site codon.
  • the one or more codons comprise both splice site codons.
  • a potential splice donor site is eliminated by modifying one or both splice site codons.
  • a potential splice acceptor donor site is eliminated by modifying one or both splice site codons.
  • the one or both codons at the splice site is not modified, for example, when there are no synonymous codon for the splice site codon.
  • one or more nucleotides in a nearby codon can be modified.
  • one or more codons that are modified include a splice site codon, wherein the modification comprises changing one or both nucleotides at the splice site to a different nucleotide or different nucleotides.
  • the splice donor site is eliminated by modifying one or both splice site codons., wherein the modification does not change one or two of the nucleotides of the at the splice site to a different nucleotide, but a nearby nucleotide, e.g., a part of a codon adjacent to the splice site, is modified.
  • the nearby or adjacent nucleotides that can be modified include modification of a nucleotide that is a part of a nearby or adjacent codon, such as a codon that is within one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten codons upstream or downstream of the splice site codon.
  • polynucleotides can be manually modified, while preserving the encoded amino acid sequence, to reduce the probability of a predicted splice site.
  • one or more of the predicted splice sites having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% probability of a splice site are manually modified to reduce the probability of the splicing event.
  • the one or more modification(s) is/are by nucleotide replacement or substitution of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 nucleotides.
  • the modification(s) is/are at the junction of the splice donor site or are at the junction of the splice acceptor site.
  • At least one of the one or more nucleotide modifications is within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 residues of the splice site junction of the splice acceptor and/or splice donor site.
  • libraries of modified nucleic acid sequences can be generated with reduced probability of cryptic splice sites.
  • splice donor sites and splice acceptor sites are evaluated as a splice donor/acceptor pair.
  • the splice donor sites and splice acceptor sites are evaluated independently, or individually, and not part as a splice donor/acceptor pair.
  • one or more predicted splice sites are not eliminated.
  • splice sites, such as known or predicted splice sites, within the promoter region of the transcript are not eliminated.
  • one or more potential donor splice site is eliminated by modifying one or two splice site codons or one or more nearby or adjacent codons (for example, if a synonymous codon is not available for the splice site codon).
  • one or more potential acceptor splice site is eliminated by modifying one or two splice site codons or one or more nearby or adjacent codons (for example, if a synonymous codon is not available for the splice site codon).
  • the nearby or adjacent codon that is subject to modification include a codon that is within one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten codons upstream or downstream of the splice site codon, such as a codon that is within one, two or three codons from the splice site.
  • a potential branch site for splicing is removed or eliminated.
  • a nucleotide within the codon at or near the branch site can be modified, e.g., substituted or replaced, to eliminate cryptic splicing and/or reduce RNA heterogeneity.
  • the modification of the one or more nucleotides can involve a substitution or replacement of one of the nucleotides that may be involved in splicing (such as at the splice donor site, splice acceptor site or splice branch site), such that the amino acid encoded by the codon is preserved, and the nucleotide substitution or replacement does not change the polypeptide sequence that is encoded by the polynucleotide.
  • the third position in the codon is more degenerate than the other two positions.
  • various synonymous codons can encode a particular amino acid (see, e.g., Section I.A.2.a. above).
  • the modification includes replacing the codon with a synonymous codon used in the species of the cell into which the polynucleotide is introduced (e.g., human).
  • the species is human.
  • the one or more codon is replaced with a corresponding synonymous codons that the most frequently used in the species or synonymous codons that have a similar frequency of usage (e.g., most closest frequency of usage) as the corresponding codon (see, e.g., Section I.A.2.a. above).
  • a proposed modification can be further evaluated, for example, to assess whether the modification generates an undesired or additional restriction site in the polynucleotide.
  • an additional restriction site may not be desired, and a further or a different modification (e.g., with a different nucleotide replacement at the same codon or a modification at a different position or codon) can be considered.
  • particular restriction site such as a designated restriction site, is avoided.
  • an additional or alternative modification can be proposed if the modification does not substantially reduce the splice site prediction score.
  • a provided polynucleotide encoding an anti-GPRC5D CAR provided herein, or a construct provided herein includes modifications to remove one or more splice donor and/or acceptor site that may contribute to splice events and/or reduced expression and/or increased RNA heterogeneity.
  • provided polynucleotides are modified in one or more polynucleotides in the spacer region to eliminate or reduce splice events.
  • potential splice donor and/or acceptor sites that are modified or not included in a provided CAR are set forth in SEQ ID NO: 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, or 199.
  • modified nucleotides of such sites to reduce or eliminate potential splice and/or donor sites are set forth in SEQ ID NO: 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, or 206.
  • a provided polynucleotide encoding an anti-GPRC5D CAR, or other CAR contains one or more nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, or 206.
  • a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR includes a spacer sequence that is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
  • the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 165. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 166. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 172.
  • the nucleic acids are heterologous, z.e., normally not present in a cell or sample obtained from the cell, such as one obtained from another organism or cell, which for example, is not ordinarily found in the cell being engineered and/or an organism from which such cell is derived.
  • the nucleic acids are not naturally occurring, such as a nucleic acid not found in nature, including one comprising chimeric combinations of nucleic acids encoding various domains from multiple different cell types.
  • the cells generally are eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian cells, and typically are human cells.
  • the cells are derived from the blood, bone marrow, lymph, or lymphoid organs, are cells of the immune system, such as cells of the innate or adaptive immunity, e.g., myeloid or lymphoid cells, including lymphocytes, typically T cells and/or NK cells.
  • Other exemplary cells include stem cells, such as multipotent and pluripotent stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
  • the cells typically are primary cells, such as those isolated directly from a subject and/or isolated from a subject and frozen.
  • the cells include one or more subsets of T cells or other cell types, such as whole T cell populations, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, and subpopulations thereof, such as those defined by function, activation state, maturity, potential for differentiation, expansion, recirculation, localization, and/or persistence capacities, antigen- specificity, type of antigen receptor, presence in a particular organ or compartment, marker or cytokine secretion profile, and/or degree of differentiation.
  • the cells may be allogeneic and/or autologous.
  • the methods include off-the-shelf methods.
  • the cells are pluripotent and/or multipotent, such as stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
  • the methods include isolating cells from the subject, preparing, processing, culturing, and/or engineering them, and reintroducing them into the same subject, before or after cryopreservation.
  • T cells and/or of CD4+ and/or of CD8+ T cells are naive T (TN) cells, effector T cells (TEFF), memory T cells and sub-types thereof, such as stem cell memory T (TSCM), central memory T (TCM), effector memory T (TEM), or terminally differentiated effector memory T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), immature T cells, mature T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, naturally occurring and adaptive regulatory T (Treg) cells, helper T cells, such as TH1 cells, TH2 cells, TH3 cells, TH 17 cells, TH9 cells, TH22 cells, follicular helper T cells, alpha/beta T cells, and delta/gamma T cells.
  • TN naive T
  • TSCM stem cell memory T
  • TCM central memory T
  • TEM effector memory T
  • TIL tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte
  • the cells are natural killer (NK) cells.
  • the cells are monocytes or granulocytes, e.g., myeloid cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, mast cells, eosinophils, and/or basophils.
  • the cells include one or more nucleic acids introduced via genetic engineering, and thereby express recombinant or genetically engineered products of such nucleic acids.
  • the nucleic acids are heterologous, i.e., normally not present in a cell or sample obtained from the cell, such as one obtained from another organism or cell, which for example, is not ordinarily found in the cell being engineered and/or an organism from which such cell is derived.
  • the nucleic acids are not naturally occurring, such as a nucleic acid not found in nature, including one comprising chimeric combinations of nucleic acids encoding various domains from multiple different cell types.
  • preparation of the engineered cells includes one or more culture and/or preparation steps.
  • the cells for introduction of the nucleic acid encoding the transgenic receptor such as the CAR may be isolated from a sample, such as a biological sample, e.g., one obtained from or derived from a subject.
  • the subject from which the cell is isolated is one having the disease or condition or in need of a cell therapy or to which cell therapy will be administered.
  • the subject in some embodiments is a human in need of a particular therapeutic intervention, such as the adoptive cell therapy for which cells are being isolated, processed, and/or engineered.
  • the cells in some embodiments are primary cells, e.g., primary human cells.
  • the samples include tissue, fluid, and other samples taken directly from the subject, as well as samples resulting from one or more processing steps, such as separation, centrifugation, genetic engineering (e.g. transduction with viral vector), washing, and/or incubation.
  • the biological sample can be a sample obtained directly from a biological source or a sample that is processed.
  • Biological samples include, but are not limited to, body fluids, such as blood, plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, urine and sweat, tissue and organ samples, including processed samples derived therefrom.
  • the sample from which the cells are derived or isolated is blood or a blood-derived sample, or is or is derived from an apheresis or leukapheresis product.
  • exemplary samples include whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), leukocytes, bone marrow, thymus, tissue biopsy, tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, lymph node, gut associated lymphoid tissue, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, spleen, other lymphoid tissues, liver, lung, stomach, intestine, colon, kidney, pancreas, breast, bone, prostate, cervix, testes, ovaries, tonsil, or other organ, and/or cells derived therefrom.
  • Samples include, in the context of cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy, samples from autologous and allogeneic sources.
  • the cells are derived from cell lines, e.g., T cell lines.
  • the cells in some embodiments are obtained from a xenogeneic source, for example, from mouse, rat, non-human primate, and pig.
  • isolation of the cells includes one or more preparation and/or non-affinity based cell separation steps.
  • cells are washed, centrifuged, and/or incubated in the presence of one or more reagents, for example, to remove unwanted components, enrich for desired components, lyse or remove cells sensitive to particular reagents.
  • cells are separated based on one or more property, such as density, adherent properties, size, sensitivity and/or resistance to particular components.
  • cells from the circulating blood of a subject are obtained, e.g., by apheresis or leukapheresis.
  • the samples contain lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and/or platelets, and in some aspects contains cells other than red blood cells and platelets.
  • the blood cells collected from the subject are washed, e.g., to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps.
  • the cells are washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • the wash solution lacks calcium and/or magnesium and/or many or all divalent cations.
  • a washing step is accomplished a semi-automated “flow-through” centrifuge (for example, the Cobe 2991 cell processor, Baxter) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • a washing step is accomplished by tangential flow filtration (TFF) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • the cells are resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers after washing, such as, for example, Ca ++ /Mg ++ free PBS.
  • components of a blood cell sample are removed and the cells directly resuspended in culture media.
  • the isolation methods include the separation of different cell types based on the expression or presence in the cell of one or more specific molecules, such as surface markers, e.g., surface proteins, intracellular markers, or nucleic acid. In some embodiments, any known method for separation based on such markers may be used. In some embodiments, the separation is affinity- or immunoaffinity-based separation.
  • the isolation in some aspects includes separation of cells and cell populations based on the cells’ expression or expression level of one or more markers, typically cell surface markers, for example, by incubation with an antibody or binding partner that specifically binds to such markers, followed generally by washing steps and separation of cells having bound the antibody or binding partner, from those cells having not bound to the antibody or binding partner.
  • Such separation steps can be based on positive selection, in which the cells having bound the reagents are retained for further use, and/or negative selection, in which the cells having not bound to the antibody or binding partner are retained. In some examples, both fractions are retained for further use. In some aspects, negative selection can be particularly useful where no antibody is available that specifically identifies a cell type in a heterogeneous population, such that separation is best carried out based on markers expressed by cells other than the desired population.
  • the separation need not result in 100% enrichment or removal of a particular cell population or cells expressing a particular marker.
  • positive selection of or enrichment for cells of a particular type refers to increasing the number or percentage of such cells, but need not result in a complete absence of cells not expressing the marker.
  • negative selection, removal, or depletion of cells of a particular type refers to decreasing the number or percentage of such cells, but need not result in a complete removal of all such cells.
  • multiple rounds of separation steps are carried out, where the positively or negatively selected fraction from one step is subjected to another separation step, such as a subsequent positive or negative selection.
  • a single separation step can deplete cells expressing multiple markers simultaneously, such as by incubating cells with a plurality of antibodies or binding partners, each specific for a marker targeted for negative selection.
  • multiple cell types can simultaneously be positively selected by incubating cells with a plurality of antibodies or binding partners expressed on the various cell types.
  • T cells such as cells positive or expressing high levels of one or more surface markers, e.g., CD28 + , CD62L + , CCR7 + , CD27 + , CD127 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , CD45RA + , and/or CD45RO + T cells, are isolated by positive or negative selection techniques.
  • surface markers e.g., CD28 + , CD62L + , CCR7 + , CD27 + , CD127 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , CD45RA + , and/or CD45RO + T cells.
  • CD3 + , CD28 + T cells can be positively selected using anti-CD3/anti- CD28 conjugated magnetic beads (e.g., DYNABEADS® M-450 CD3/CD28 T Cell Expander).
  • anti-CD3/anti- CD28 conjugated magnetic beads e.g., DYNABEADS® M-450 CD3/CD28 T Cell Expander.
  • isolation is carried out by enrichment for a particular cell population by positive selection, or depletion of a particular cell population, by negative selection.
  • positive or negative selection is accomplished by incubating cells with one or more antibodies or other binding agent that specifically bind to one or more surface markers expressed or expressed (marker + ) at a relatively higher level (marker 111811 ) on the positively or negatively selected cells, respectively.
  • T cells are separated from a PBMC sample by negative selection of markers expressed on non-T cells, such as B cells, monocytes, or other white blood cells, such as CD 14.
  • a CD4 + or CD8 + selection step is used to separate CD4 + helper and CD8 + cytotoxic T cells.
  • Such CD4 + and CD8 + populations can be further sorted into sub-populations by positive or negative selection for markers expressed or expressed to a relatively higher degree on one or more naive, memory, and/or effector T cell subpopulations.
  • CD8 + cells are further enriched for or depleted of naive, central memory, effector memory, and/or central memory stem cells, such as by positive or negative selection based on surface antigens associated with the respective subpopulation.
  • enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is carried out to increase efficacy, such as to improve long-term survival, expansion, and/or engraftment following administration, which in some aspects is particularly robust in such sub-populations. See Terakura et al. (2012) Blood, 1:72-82; Wang et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9):689-701.
  • combining TcM-enriched CD8 + T cells and CD4 + T cells further enhances efficacy.
  • memory T cells are present in both CD62L + and CD62L" subsets of CD8 + peripheral blood lymphocytes.
  • PBMC can be enriched for or depleted of CD62L'CD8 + and/or CD62L + CD8 + fractions, such as using anti-CD8 and anti-CD62L antibodies.
  • the enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is based on positive or high surface expression of CD45RO, CD62L, CCR7, CD28, CD3, and/or CD 127; in some aspects, it is based on negative selection for cells expressing or highly expressing CD45RA and/or granzyme B.
  • isolation of a CD8 + population enriched for TCM cells is carried out by depletion of cells expressing CD4, CD 14, CD45RA, and positive selection or enrichment for cells expressing CD62L.
  • enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is carried out starting with a negative fraction of cells selected based on CD4 expression, which is subjected to a negative selection based on expression of CD 14 and CD45RA, and a positive selection based on CD62L.
  • Such selections in some aspects are carried out simultaneously and in other aspects are carried out sequentially, in either order.
  • the same CD4 expression-based selection step used in preparing the CD8 + cell population or subpopulation also is used to generate the CD4 + cell population or subpopulation, such that both the positive and negative fractions from the CD4-based separation are retained and used in subsequent steps of the methods, optionally following one or more further positive or negative selection steps.
  • a sample of PBMCs or other white blood cell sample is subjected to selection of CD4 + cells, where both the negative and positive fractions are retained.
  • the negative fraction then is subjected to negative selection based on expression of CD 14 and CD45RA or CD 19, and positive selection based on a marker characteristic of central memory T cells, such as CD62L or CCR7, where the positive and negative selections are carried out in either order.
  • CD4 + T helper cells are sorted into naive, central memory, and effector cells by identifying cell populations that have cell surface antigens.
  • CD4 + lymphocytes can be obtained by standard methods.
  • naive CD4 + T lymphocytes are CD45RO", CD45RA + , CD62L + , CD4 + T cells.
  • central memory CD4 + cells are CD62L + and CD45RO + .
  • effector CD4 + cells are CD62L" and CD45RO".
  • a monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies to CD14, CD20, CDl lb, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8.
  • the antibody or binding partner is bound to a solid support or matrix, such as a magnetic bead or paramagnetic bead, to allow for separation of cells for positive and/or negative selection.
  • a solid support or matrix such as a magnetic bead or paramagnetic bead
  • the cells and cell populations are separated or isolated using immunomagnetic (or affinitymagnetic) separation techniques (reviewed in Methods in Molecular Medicine, vol. 58: Metastasis Research Protocols, Vol. 2: Cell Behavior In Vitro and In Vivo, p 17-25 Edited by: S. A. Brooks and U. Schumacher ⁇ Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ).
  • the sample or composition of cells to be separated is incubated with small, magnetizable or magnetically responsive material, such as magnetically responsive particles or microparticles, such as paramagnetic beads (e.g., such as Dynabeads or MACS beads).
  • the magnetically responsive material, e.g., particle generally is directly or indirectly attached to a binding partner, e.g., an antibody, that specifically binds to a molecule, e.g., surface marker, present on the cell, cells, or population of cells that it is desired to separate, e.g., that it is desired to negatively or positively select.
  • a binding partner e.g., an antibody
  • the magnetic particle or bead comprises a magnetically responsive material bound to a specific binding member, such as an antibody or other binding partner.
  • a specific binding member such as an antibody or other binding partner.
  • Suitable magnetic particles include those described in Molday, U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,773, and in European Patent Specification EP 452342 B, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • Colloidal sized particles such as those described in Owen U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,698, and Liberti et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,084 are other examples.
  • the incubation generally is carried out under conditions whereby the antibodies or binding partners, or molecules, such as secondary antibodies or other reagents, which specifically bind to such antibodies or binding partners, which are attached to the magnetic particle or bead, specifically bind to cell surface molecules if present on cells within the sample.
  • the antibodies or binding partners, or molecules such as secondary antibodies or other reagents, which specifically bind to such antibodies or binding partners, which are attached to the magnetic particle or bead, specifically bind to cell surface molecules if present on cells within the sample.
  • the sample is placed in a magnetic field, and those cells having magnetically responsive or magnetizable particles attached thereto will be attracted to the magnet and separated from the unlabeled cells.
  • those cells having magnetically responsive or magnetizable particles attached thereto will be attracted to the magnet and separated from the unlabeled cells.
  • positive selection cells that are attracted to the magnet are retained; for negative selection, cells that are not attracted (unlabeled cells) are retained.
  • a combination of positive and negative selection is performed during the same selection step, where the positive and negative fractions are retained and further processed or subject to further separation steps.
  • the magnetically responsive particles are coated in primary antibodies or other binding partners, secondary antibodies, lectins, enzymes, or streptavidin.
  • the magnetic particles are attached to cells via a coating of primary antibodies specific for one or more markers.
  • the cells, rather than the beads are labeled with a primary antibody or binding partner, and then cell-type specific secondary antibody- or other binding partner (e.g., streptavidin)-coated magnetic particles, are added.
  • streptavidin-coated magnetic particles are used in conjunction with biotinylated primary or secondary antibodies.
  • the magnetically responsive particles are left attached to the cells that are to be subsequently incubated, cultured and/or engineered; in some aspects, the particles are left attached to the cells for administration to a patient.
  • the magnetizable or magnetically responsive particles are removed from the cells. Methods for removing magnetizable particles from cells are known and include, e.g., the use of competing non-labeled antibodies, and magnetizable particles or antibodies conjugated to cleavable linkers. In some embodiments, the magnetizable particles are biodegradable.
  • the affinity-based selection is via magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA). Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) systems are capable of high-purity selection of cells having magnetized particles attached thereto.
  • MACS operates in a mode wherein the non-target and target species are sequentially eluted after the application of the external magnetic field. That is, the cells attached to magnetized particles are held in place while the unattached species are eluted. Then, after this first elution step is completed, the species that were trapped in the magnetic field and were prevented from being eluted are freed in some manner such that they can be eluted and recovered.
  • the non-target cells are labelled and depleted from the heterogeneous population of cells.
  • the isolation or separation is carried out using a system, device, or apparatus that carries out one or more of the isolation, cell preparation, separation, processing, incubation, culture, and/or formulation steps of the methods.
  • the system is used to carry out each of these steps in a closed or sterile environment, for example, to minimize error, user handling and/or contamination.
  • the system is a system as described in International Patent Application, Publication Number W02009/072003, or US 20110003380 Al.
  • the system or apparatus carries out one or more, e.g., all, of the isolation, processing, engineering, and formulation steps in an integrated or self-contained system, and/or in an automated or programmable fashion.
  • the system or apparatus includes a computer and/or computer program in communication with the system or apparatus, which allows a user to program, control, assess the outcome of, and/or adjust various aspects of the processing, isolation, engineering, and formulation steps.
  • the separation and/or other steps is carried out using CliniMACS system (Miltenyi Biotec), for example, for automated separation of cells on a clinical-scale level in a closed and sterile system.
  • Components can include an integrated microcomputer, magnetic separation unit, peristaltic pump, and various pinch valves.
  • the integrated computer in some aspects controls all components of the instrument and directs the system to perform repeated procedures in a standardized sequence.
  • the magnetic separation unit in some aspects includes a movable permanent magnet and a holder for the selection column.
  • the peristaltic pump controls the flow rate throughout the tubing set and, together with the pinch valves, ensures the controlled flow of buffer through the system and continual suspension of cells.
  • the CliniMACS system in some aspects uses antibody-coupled magnetizable particles that are supplied in a sterile, non-pyrogenic solution.
  • the cells after labelling of cells with magnetic particles the cells are washed to remove excess particles.
  • a cell preparation bag is then connected to the tubing set, which in turn is connected to a bag containing buffer and a cell collection bag.
  • the tubing set consists of pre-assembled sterile tubing, including a pre-column and a separation column, and are for single use only. After initiation of the separation program, the system automatically applies the cell sample onto the separation column. Labelled cells are retained within the column, while unlabeled cells are removed by a series of washing steps.
  • the cell populations for use with the methods described herein are unlabeled and are not retained in the column. In some embodiments, the cell populations for use with the methods described herein are labeled and are retained in the column. In some embodiments, the cell populations for use with the methods described herein are eluted from the column after removal of the magnetic field, and are collected within the cell collection bag.
  • separation and/or other steps are carried out using the CliniMACS Prodigy system (Miltenyi Biotec).
  • the CliniMACS Prodigy system in some aspects is equipped with a cell processing unity that permits automated washing and fractionation of cells by centrifugation.
  • the CliniMACS Prodigy system can also include an onboard camera and image recognition software that determines the optimal cell fractionation endpoint by discerning the macroscopic layers of the source cell product. For example, peripheral blood is automatically separated into erythrocytes, white blood cells and plasma layers.
  • the CliniMACS Prodigy system can also include an integrated cell cultivation chamber which accomplishes cell culture protocols such as, e.g., cell differentiation and expansion, antigen loading, and long-term cell culture.
  • Input ports can allow for the sterile removal and replenishment of media and cells can be monitored using an integrated microscope. See, e.g., Klebanoff et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9): 651-660, Terakura et al. (2012) Blood.1:72-82, and Wang et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9):689-701.
  • a cell population described herein is collected and enriched (or depleted) via flow cytometry, in which cells stained for multiple cell surface markers are carried in a fluidic stream.
  • a cell population described herein is collected and enriched (or depleted) via preparative scale (FACS) -sorting.
  • a cell population described herein is collected and enriched (or depleted) by use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) chips in combination with a FACS-based detection system (see, e.g., WO 2010/033140, Cho et al. (2010) Lab Chip 10, 1567-1573; and Godin et al. (2008) J Biophoton. l(5):355-376. In both cases, cells can be labeled with multiple markers, allowing for the isolation of well-defined T cell subsets at high purity.
  • MEMS microelectromechanical systems
  • the antibodies or binding partners are labeled with one or more detectable marker, to facilitate separation for positive and/or negative selection.
  • separation may be based on binding to fluorescently labeled antibodies.
  • separation of cells based on binding of antibodies or other binding partners specific for one or more cell surface markers are carried in a fluidic stream, such as by fluorescence- activated cell sorting (FACS), including preparative scale (FACS) and/or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) chips, e.g., in combination with a flow-cytometric detection system.
  • FACS fluorescence- activated cell sorting
  • MEMS microelectromechanical systems
  • the preparation methods include steps for freezing, e.g., cryopreserving, the cells, either before or after isolation, incubation, and/or engineering.
  • the freeze and subsequent thaw step removes granulocytes and, to some extent, monocytes in the cell population.
  • the cells are suspended in a freezing solution, e.g., following a washing step to remove plasma and platelets. Any of a variety of known freezing solutions and parameters in some aspects may be used.
  • a freezing solution e.g., following a washing step to remove plasma and platelets.
  • Any of a variety of known freezing solutions and parameters in some aspects may be used.
  • PBS containing 20% DMSO and 8% human serum albumin (HSA), or other suitable cell freezing media. This is then diluted 1 : 1 with media so that the final concentration of DMSO and HSA are 10% and 4%, respectively.
  • the cells are generally then frozen to -80° C. at a rate of 1°C per minute and stored in the vapor phase of a
  • the cells are incubated and/or cultured prior to or in connection with genetic engineering.
  • the incubation steps can include culture, cultivation, stimulation, activation, and/or propagation.
  • the incubation and/or engineering may be carried out in a culture vessel, such as a unit, chamber, well, column, tube, tubing set, valve, vial, culture dish, bag, or other container for culture or cultivating cells.
  • the compositions or cells are incubated in the presence of stimulating conditions or a stimulatory agent. Such conditions include those designed to induce proliferation, expansion, activation, and/or survival of cells in the population, to mimic antigen exposure, and/or to prime the cells for genetic engineering, such as for the introduction of a recombinant antigen receptor.
  • the conditions can include one or more of particular media, temperature, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content, time, agents, e.g., nutrients, amino acids, antibiotics, ions, and/or stimulatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, antigens, binding partners, fusion proteins, recombinant soluble receptors, and any other agents designed to activate the cells.
  • agents e.g., nutrients, amino acids, antibiotics, ions, and/or stimulatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, antigens, binding partners, fusion proteins, recombinant soluble receptors, and any other agents designed to activate the cells.
  • the stimulating conditions or agents include one or more agent, e.g., ligand, which is capable of activating or stimulating an intracellular signaling domain of a TCR complex.
  • the agent turns on or initiates TCR/CD3 intracellular signaling cascade in a T cell.
  • agents can include antibodies, such as those specific for a TCR, e.g. anti-CD3.
  • the stimulating conditions include one or more agent, e.g. ligand, which is capable of stimulating a costimulatory receptor, e.g., anti- CD28.
  • agents and/or ligands may be, bound to solid support such as a bead, and/or one or more cytokines.
  • incubation is carried out in accordance with techniques such as those described in US Patent No. 6,040,177 to Riddell et al., Klebanoff et a/.(2012) J Immunother. 35(9): 651-660, Terakura et al. (2012) Blood.1:72-82, and/or Wang et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9):689-701.
  • the T cells are expanded by adding to a culture-initiating composition feeder cells, such as non-dividing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), (e.g., such that the resulting population of cells contains at least about 5, 10, 20, or 40 or more PBMC feeder cells for each T lymphocyte in the initial population to be expanded); and incubating the culture (e.g. for a time sufficient to expand the numbers of T cells).
  • PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the non-dividing feeder cells can comprise gamma-irradiated PBMC feeder cells.
  • the PBMC are irradiated with gamma rays in the range of about 3000 to 3600 rads to prevent cell division.
  • the feeder cells are added to culture medium prior to the addition of the populations of T cells.
  • the stimulating conditions include temperature suitable for the growth of human T lymphocytes, for example, at least about 25 degrees Celsius, generally at least about 30 degrees, and generally at or about 37 degrees Celsius.
  • the incubation may further comprise adding non-dividing EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells (LCL) as feeder cells.
  • LCL can be irradiated with gamma rays in the range of about 6000 to 10,000 rads.
  • the LCL feeder cells in some aspects is provided in any suitable amount, such as a ratio of LCL feeder cells to initial T lymphocytes of at least about 10:1.
  • antigen-specific T cells such as antigen-specific CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells
  • antigen-specific T cell lines or clones can be generated to cytomegalovirus antigens by isolating T cells from infected subjects and stimulating the cells in vitro with the same antigen.
  • the dose of cells of the cell therapy such as a T cell therapy comprising cells engineered with a recombinant antigen receptor, e.g. CAR, is provided as a composition or formulation, such as a pharmaceutical composition or formulation.
  • a composition or formulation such as a pharmaceutical composition or formulation.
  • Such compositions can be used in accord with the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions.
  • the cell therapy such as engineered T cells (e.g. CAR T cells) are formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the choice of carrier is determined in part by the particular cell or agent and/or by the method of administration. Accordingly, there are a variety of suitable formulations.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can contain preservatives. Suitable preservatives may include, for example, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, and benzalkonium chloride. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more preservatives is used. The preservative or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 2% by weight of the total composition.
  • Carriers are described, e.g., by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980).
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are generally nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include, but are not limited to: buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and 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; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such
  • Buffering agents in some aspects are included in the compositions.
  • Suitable buffering agents include, for example, citric acid, sodium citrate, phosphoric acid, potassium phosphate, and various other acids and salts.
  • a mixture of two or more buffering agents is used.
  • the buffering agent or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 4% by weight of the total composition.
  • Methods for preparing administrable pharmaceutical compositions are known. Exemplary methods are described in more detail in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 21st ed. (May 1, 2005).
  • the formulations can include aqueous solutions.
  • the formulation or composition may also contain more than one active ingredient useful for the particular indication, disease, or condition being treated with the cells or agents, where the respective activities do not adversely affect one another.
  • active ingredients are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further includes other pharmaceutically active agents or drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, e.g., asparaginase, busulfan, carboplatin, cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, paclitaxel, rituximab, vinblastine, vincristine, etc.
  • the pharmaceutical composition in some embodiments contains cells in amounts effective to treat the disease or condition, such as a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount.
  • Therapeutic efficacy in some embodiments is monitored by periodic assessment of treated subjects. For repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on the condition, the treatment is repeated until a desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. However, other dosage regimens may be useful and can be determined.
  • the desired dosage can be delivered by a single bolus administration of the composition, by multiple bolus administrations of the composition, or by continuous infusion administration of the composition.
  • the cells may be administered using standard administration techniques, formulations, and/or devices. Provided are formulations and devices, such as syringes and vials, for storage and administration of the compositions. With respect to cells, administration can be autologous or heterologous.
  • immunoresponsive cells or progenitors can be obtained from one subject, and administered to the same subject or a different, compatible subject.
  • Peripheral blood derived immunoresponsive cells or their progeny e.g., in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro derived
  • a therapeutic composition e.g., a pharmaceutical composition containing a genetically modified immunoresponsive cell
  • it will generally be formulated in a unit dosage injectable form (solution, suspension, emulsion).
  • Formulations include those for oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, pulmonary, transdermal, intramuscular, intranasal, buccal, sublingual, or suppository administration.
  • the agent or cell populations are administered parenterally.
  • parenteral includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, and intraperitoneal administration.
  • the agent or cell populations are administered to a subject using peripheral systemic delivery by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection.
  • compositions in some embodiments are provided as sterile liquid preparations, e.g., isotonic aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, or viscous compositions, which may in some aspects be buffered to a selected pH.
  • sterile liquid preparations e.g., isotonic aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, or viscous compositions, which may in some aspects be buffered to a selected pH.
  • Liquid preparations are normally easier to prepare than gels, other viscous compositions, and solid compositions. Additionally, liquid compositions are somewhat more convenient to administer, especially by injection. Viscous compositions, on the other hand, can be formulated within the appropriate viscosity range to provide longer contact periods with specific tissues.
  • Liquid or viscous compositions can comprise carriers, which can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol) and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • carriers can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol) and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the cells in a solvent, such as in admixture with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, or the like.
  • a suitable carrier such as in admixture with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, or the like.
  • the formulations to be used for in vivo administration are generally sterile. Sterility may be readily accomplished, e.g., by filtration through sterile filtration membranes.
  • Such methods and uses include therapeutic methods and uses, for example, involving administration of the molecules (e.g., recombinant receptors), cells (e.g., engineered cells), or compositions containing the same, to a subject having a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D such as a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D expression, and/or in which cells or tissues express, e.g., specifically express, GPRC5D.
  • the molecule, cell, and/or composition is/are administered in an effective amount to effect treatment of the disease or disorder.
  • the methods are carried out by administering the binding molecules or cells, or compositions comprising the same, to the subject having, having had, or suspected of having the disease or condition. In some embodiments, the methods thereby treat the disease or condition or disorder in the subject. Also provided herein are use of any of the compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions provided herein, for the treatment of a disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D, such as use in a treatment regimen.
  • the methods include adoptive cell therapy, whereby genetically engineered cells expressing the provided recombinant receptors comprising a GPRC5D-binding molecule e.g., CARs comprising anti-GPRC5D antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof) are administered to subjects.
  • a GPRC5D-binding molecule e.g., CARs comprising anti-GPRC5D antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof
  • Such administration can promote activation of the cells (e.g., T cell activation) in a GPRC5D-targeted manner, such that the cells of the disease or disorder are targeted for destruction.
  • the methods include administration of the cells or a composition containing the cells to a subject, tissue, or cell, such as one having, at risk for, or suspected of having the disease, condition or disorder.
  • the cells, populations, and compositions are administered to a subject having the particular disease or condition to be treated, e.g., via adoptive cell therapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy.
  • the cells or compositions are administered to the subject, such as a subject having or at risk for the disease or condition.
  • the methods thereby treat, e.g., ameliorate one or more symptom of the disease or condition, such as by lessening tumor burden in a GPRC5D-expressing cancer.
  • the cell therapy e.g., adoptive cell therapy, e.g., adoptive T cell therapy
  • the cells are isolated and/or otherwise prepared from the subject who is to receive the cell therapy, or from a sample derived from such a subject.
  • the cells are derived from a subject, e.g., patient, in need of a treatment and the cells, following isolation and processing are administered to the same subject.
  • the cell therapy e.g., adoptive cell therapy, e.g., adoptive T cell therapy
  • the cells are isolated and/or otherwise prepared from a subject other than a subject who is to receive or who ultimately receives the cell therapy, e.g., a first subject.
  • the cells then are administered to a different subject, e.g., a second subject, of the same species.
  • the first and second subjects are genetically identical.
  • the first and second subjects are genetically similar.
  • the second subject expresses the same HLA class or supertype as the first subject.
  • the subject, to whom the cells, cell populations, or compositions are administered is a primate, such as a human.
  • the subject, to whom the cells, cell populations, or compositions are administered is a non-human primate.
  • the non-human primate is a monkey (e.g., cynomolgus monkey) or an ape.
  • the subject can be male or female and can be any suitable age, including infant, juvenile, adolescent, adult, and geriatric subjects.
  • the subject is a nonprimate mammal, such as a rodent (e.g., mouse, rat, etc.).
  • the patient or subject is a validated animal model for disease, adoptive cell therapy, and/or for assessing toxic outcomes such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
  • CRS cytokine release syndrome
  • the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors e.g., CARs
  • CARs recombinant receptors
  • cells expressing the same can be administered by any suitable means, for example, by injection, e.g., intravenous or subcutaneous injections, intraocular injection, periocular injection, subretinal injection, intravitreal injection, trans-septal injection, subscleral injection, intrachoroidal injection, intracameral injection, subconjunctival injection, subconjunctival injection, sub-Tenon’s injection, retrobulbar injection, peribulbar injection, or posterior juxtascleral delivery.
  • injection e.g., intravenous or subcutaneous injections, intraocular injection, periocular injection, subretinal injection, intravitreal injection, trans-septal injection, subscleral injection, intrachoroidal injection, intracameral injection, subconjunctival injection, subconjunctival injection, sub-Tenon’s
  • parenteral, intrapulmonary, and intranasal are administered by parenteral, intrapulmonary, and intranasal, and, if desired for local treatment, intralesional administration.
  • Parenteral infusions include intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intracranial, intrathoracic, or subcutaneous administration. Dosing and administration may depend in part on whether the administration is brief or chronic. Various dosing schedules include but are not limited to single or multiple administrations over various time-points, bolus administration, and pulse infusion.
  • the appropriate dosage of the binding molecule, recombinant receptor or cell may depend on the type of disease to be treated, the type of binding molecule or recombinant receptor, the severity and course of the disease, whether the binding molecule or recombinant receptor is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient’s clinical history and response to the recombinant receptor or cell, and the discretion of the attending physician.
  • the compositions and molecules and cells are in some embodiments suitably administered to the patient at one time or over a series of treatments.
  • the dose and/or frequency of administration is/are determined based on efficacy and/or response.
  • efficacy is determined by evaluating disease status.
  • Exemplary methods for assessing disease status include: measurement of M protein in biological fluids, such as blood and/or urine, by electrophoresis and immunofixation; quantification of sFLC (K and X) in blood; skeletal survey; and imaging by positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in subjects with extramedullary disease.
  • PET positron emission tomography
  • CT computed tomography
  • disease status can be evaluated by bone marrow examination.
  • dose and/or frequency of administration is determined by the expansion and persistence of the recombinant receptor or cell in the blood and/or bone marrow. In some embodiments, dose and/or frequency of administration is determined based on the antitumor activity of the recombinant receptor or engineered cell. In some embodiments antitumor activity is determined by the overall response rate (ORR) and/or International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Uniform Response Criteria (see Kumar et al. (2016) Lancet Oncol 17(8):e328-346). In some embodiments, response is evaluated using minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment.
  • ORR overall response rate
  • IMWG International Myeloma Working Group
  • MRD can be assessed by methods such as flow cytometry and high-throughput sequencing, e.g., deep sequencing.
  • response is evaluated based on the duration of response following administration of the recombinant receptor or cells.
  • dose and/or frequency of administration can be based on toxicity.
  • dose and/or frequency can be determined based on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the subject to which the recombinant receptor and/or cells is/are administered.
  • HRQoL health-related quality of life
  • dose and/or frequency of administration can be changed, i.e., increased or decreased, based on any of the above criteria.
  • the methods comprise administering a dose of the engineered cells or a composition comprising a dose of the engineered cells.
  • the engineered cells or compositions containing engineered cells can be used in a treatment regimen, wherein the treatment regimen comprises administering a dose of the engineered cells or a composition comprising a dose of the engineered cells.
  • the dose can contain, for example, a particular number or range of recombinant receptor-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), such as any number of such cells described herein.
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • a composition containing a dose of the cells can be administered.
  • the number, amount or proportion of CAR-expressing cells in a cell population or a cell composition can be assessed by detection of a surrogate marker, e.g., by flow cytometry or other means, or by detecting binding of a labelled molecule, such as a labelled antigen, that can specifically bind to the binding molecules or receptors provided herein.
  • a surrogate marker e.g., by flow cytometry or other means
  • a labelled molecule such as a labelled antigen
  • a subject in the context of genetically engineered cells containing the binding molecules or recombinant receptors, is administered the range of about one million to about 100 billion cells and/or that amount of cells per kilogram of body weight, such as, e.g., about 1 million to about 50 billion cells (e.g., about 5 million cells, about 10 million, about 12.5 million, about 15 million, about 20 million cells, about 25 million cells, about 500 million cells, about 1 billion cells, about 5 billion cells, about 20 billion cells, about 30 billion cells, about 40 billion cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values), such as about 10 million to about 100 billion cells (e.g., about 10 million cells, about 12.5 million cells, about 15 million cells, 20 million cells, about 25 million cells, about 30 million cells, about 40 million cells, about 50 million cells, about 60 million cells, about 70 million cells, about 80 million cells, about 90 million cells, about 10 billion cells, about 25 billion cells, about 50 billion cells, about 75 billion cells, about 90
  • the provided methods implement flat dosing, e.g. total number of CAR+ cells, total number of CAR+CD8+ T cells and/or CAR+CD4+ T cells, such as to administer a precise or fixed dose of such cell type(s) to each of a group of subjects treated, including subjects of variable weight.
  • the provided methods include methods in which the dose of cells is a flat dose of cells or fixed dose of cells such that the dose of cells is not tied to or based on the body surface area or weight of a subject. In some embodiments, such methods minimize or reduce the chance of administering too many cells to the subject, which may increase the risk of a toxic outcome associated with administration of the CAR-T cells.
  • the dose includes more than about 1 x 10 6 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fewer than about 2 x 10 9 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), e.g., in the range of about 2.5 x 10 7 to about 1.2 x 10 9 such cells, such as 2.5 x 10 7 , 5 x 10 7 , 7.5 x 10 7 , 1.5 x 10 8 , 3 x 10 8 , 4.5 x 10 8 , 8 x 10 8 , or 1.2 x 10 9 total such cells, or the range between any two of the foregoing values.
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the dose includes more than about 1 x 10 6 total CAR- expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fewer than about 2 x IO 9 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), e.g., in the range of about 1.0 x 10 7 to about 1.2 x 10 9 such cells, such as 1.0 x 10 7 , 1.25 x 10 7 , 1.5 x 10 7 , 2.0 x 10 7 , 2.5 x 10 7 , 5 x 10 7 , 7.5 x 10 7 , 1.5 x 10 8 , 2.25 x 10 8 , 3 x 10 8 , 4.5 x 10 8 , 6.0 x 10 8 , 8 x 10 8 ,or 1.2 x 10 9 total such cells, or the range between any two of the foregoing values.
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the dose includes more than about 1 x 10 6 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fewer than about 2 x 10 9 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), e.g., in the range of about 1.0 x 10 7 to about 6.5 x 10 8 such cells, about 1.5 x 10 7 to about 6.0 x 10 8 such cells, about 1.5 x 10 7 to about 6.5 x 10 8 such cells, about 2.5 x 10 7 to about 6.0 x 10 8 such cells, or about about 5.0 x 10 7 to about 6.0 x 10 8 such cells.
  • the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
  • the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises between at or about 2.5 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and at or about 1.2 x 10 9 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, between at or about 5.0 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 4.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), between at or about 7.0 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 2.0 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, each inclusive.
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the number is with reference to the total number of CD3+ or CD8+, in some cases also CAR-expressing (e.g. CAR+) cells.
  • the dose comprises a number of cell from or from about 2.5 x 10 7 to or to about 1.2 x 10 9 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 5.0 x 10 7 to or to about 4.5 x 10 8 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, or from or from about 7 x 10 7 to or to about 2.0 x 10 8 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+CAR-expressing cells, each inclusive.
  • the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
  • the number of cells is the number of CD3+ CAR-expressing cells that are viable cells.
  • the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises between at or about 1.0 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and at or about 1.2 x 10 9 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, between at or about 2.0 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 4.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), between at or about 7.0 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 2.0 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, each inclusive.
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the number is with reference to the total number of CD3+ or CD8+, in some cases also CAR-expressing (e.g. CAR+) cells.
  • the dose comprises a number of cell from or from about 1.0 x 10 7 to or to about 1.2 x 10 9 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 1.5 x 10 7 to or to about 1.2 x 10 9 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 2.5 x 10 7 to or to about 1.2 x 10 9 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 1.5 x 10 7 to or to about 8.0 x 10 8 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about
  • the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 2.5 x 10 7 CAR-expressing cells. In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises
  • the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 7.5 x 10 7 CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 1.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing cells. In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 1.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
  • the T cells of the dose include CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells or CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
  • the CD8+ T cells of the dose includes between at or about 1 x 10 6 and at or about 2 x 10 9 total CAR-expressing CD8+cells, e.g., in the range of at or about 5 x 10 7 to at or about 4.5 x 10 8 such cells, such as at or about 2.5 x 10 7 , at or about 5 x 10 7 , at or about 7.5 x 10 7 , at or about 1.5 x 10 8 , at or about 3 x 10 8 , at or about 4.5 x 10 8 , at or about 8 x 10 8 , or at or about 1.2 x 10 9 total such cells, or the range between any two of the foregoing values.
  • the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
  • administration of a given “dose” of CAR- expressing cells encompasses administration of the given amount or number of cells as a single composition and/or single uninterrupted administration, e.g., as a single injection or continuous infusion, and also encompasses administration of the given amount or number of cells as a split dose or as a plurality of compositions, provided in multiple individual compositions or infusions, over a specified period of time, such as over no more than 3 days.
  • the dose is a single or continuous administration of the specified number of cells, given or initiated at a single point in time. In some contexts, however, the dose is administered in multiple injections or infusions over a period of no more than three days, such as once a day for three days or for two days or by multiple infusions over a single day period.
  • the cells of the dose are administered in a single pharmaceutical composition.
  • the cells of the dose are administered in a plurality of compositions, collectively containing the cells of the dose.
  • the term “split dose” refers to a dose that is split so that it is administered over more than one day. This type of dosing is encompassed by the present methods and is considered to be a single dose.
  • the dose of cells may be administered as a split dose, e.g., a split dose administered over time.
  • the dose may be administered to the subject over 2 days or over 3 days.
  • Exemplary methods for split dosing include administering 25% of the dose on the first day and administering the remaining 75% of the dose on the second day. In other embodiments, 33% of the dose may be administered on the first day and the remaining 67% administered on the second day.
  • 10% of the dose is administered on the first day, 30% of the dose is administered on the second day, and 60% of the dose is administered on the third day.
  • the split dose is not spread over more than 3 days.
  • cells of the dose may be administered by administration of a plurality of compositions or solutions, such as a first and a second, optionally more, each containing some cells of the dose.
  • the plurality of compositions, each containing a different population and/or sub-types of cells are administered separately or independently, optionally within a certain period of time.
  • the populations or subtypes of cells can include CD8 + and CD4 + T cells, respectively, and/or CD8 + - and CD4 + - enriched populations, respectively, e.g., CD4 + and/or CD8 + T cells each individually including cells genetically engineered to express the recombinant receptor.
  • the administration of the dose comprises administration of a first composition comprising a dose of CD8 + T cells or a dose of CD4 + T cells and administration of a second composition comprising the other of the dose of CD4 + T cells and the CD8 + T cells.
  • the administration of the dose involves administration of the cell compositions separately.
  • the separate administrations are carried out simultaneously, or sequentially, in any order.
  • the separate administrations are carried out sequentially by administering, in any order, a first composition comprising a dose of CD8 + T cells or a dose of CD4 + T cells and a second composition comprising the other of the dose of CD4 + T cells and the CD8 + T cells.
  • the dose comprises a first composition and a second composition, and the first composition and second composition are administered within 48 hours of each other, such as no more than 36 hours of each other or not more than 24 hours of each other.
  • the first composition and second composition are administered 0 to 12 hours apart, 0 to 6 hours apart or 0 to 2 hours apart.
  • the initiation of administration of the first composition and the initiation of administration of the second composition are carried out no more than 2 hours, no more than 1 hour, or no more than 30 minutes apart, no more than 15 minutes, no more than 10 minutes or no more than 5 minutes apart.
  • the initiation and/or completion of administration of the first composition and the completion and/or initiation of administration of the second composition are carried out no more than 2 hours, no more than 1 hour, or no more than 30 minutes apart, no more than 15 minutes, no more than 10 minutes or no more than 5 minutes apart.
  • the first composition and the second composition are administered less than 2 hours apart.
  • the first composition e.g., first composition of the dose
  • the first composition comprises CD4 + T cells.
  • the first composition e.g., first composition of the dose
  • the first composition is administered prior to the second composition.
  • the CD8+ T cells are administered prior to the CD4+ T cells.
  • the dose or composition of cells includes a defined or target ratio of CD4 + cells expressing a recombinant receptor (e.g. CAR) to CD8 + cells expressing a recombinant receptor (e.g. CAR) and/or of CD4 + cells to CD8 + cells, which ratio optionally is approximately 1:1 or is between approximately 1:3 and approximately 3:1, such as approximately 1:1.
  • a recombinant receptor e.g. CAR
  • CAR recombinant receptor
  • the administration of a composition or dose with the target or desired ratio of different cell populations involves the administration of a cell composition containing one of the populations and then administration of a separate cell composition comprising the other of the populations, where the administration is at or approximately at the target or desired ratio.
  • administration of a dose or composition of cells at a defined ratio leads to improved expansion, persistence and/or antitumor activity of the T cell therapy.
  • the cells administered are immune cells engineered to express the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptor, e.g., CAR.
  • the immune cells are T cells.
  • the administered cells are CD4+ T cells.
  • the administered cells are CD8+ T cells.
  • the administered cells are a combination of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, such as CAR T cells.
  • the ratio of CD4+ cells to CD8+ cells is 1:10, 1:9, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1.
  • the CD8+ T cells of the dose includes between at or about 1 x 10 6 and at or about 2 x 10 9 total recombinant receptor (e.g., CAR)-expressing CD8+cells, e.g., in the range of at or about 1 x 10 7 to at or about 4.5 x 10 8 such cells, such as at or about 1.0 x
  • CAR total recombinant receptor
  • exemplary doses include about 5.0 x 10 7 , 7.5 x 10 7 , 1.5 x 10 8 , 3.0 x 10 8 or 4.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells.
  • the exemplary dose is in a range of between 1.0 x 10 7 and 1.5 x 10 7 , between 1.25 x 10 7 and 2.5 x 10 7 , between 2.0 x 10 7 , and 3.5 x 10 7 , between 3.0 x 10 7 and 4.5x 10 7 , between 4.0 x 10 7 and 7.5 x 10 7 , between 5.0 x 10 7 and 2.25 x 10 8 , between 1.5 x 10 8 and 4.5 x 10 8 , or between 3.0 x 10 8 and 6.0 x 10 8 CAR- expressing T cells.
  • exemplary doses include about 1.0 x 10 7 , 1.25 x 10 7 , 1.5 x 10 7 , 2.0 x 10 7 , 2.0 x 10 7 , 2.5 x 10 7 , 3.0 x 10 7 , 3.5 x 10 7 , 4.0 x 10 7 , 4.5x 10 7 , 5.0 x 10 7 , 7.5 x 10 7 , 1.5 x 10 8 , 2.25 x 10 8 , 3.0 x 10 8 , 4.5 x 10 8 , or 6.0 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells.
  • exemplary doses to achieve particular outcomes includes about 7.5 x 10 7 CAR- expressing T cells.
  • exemplary doses to achieve particular outcomes, such as OR includes about 1.5 x 10 8 CAR-expressing T cells.
  • the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
  • the percentage of viable cells in the CAR-expressing T cell composition is greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 90%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 95%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 96%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 97%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 98%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 99%.
  • the dose of the cell therapy is the total number of viable CAR- expressing (CAR+) T cells. In some embodiments, the dose of the cell therapy is the total number of viable CD3+ CAR-expressing (CAR+) T cells.
  • the dose of cells e.g., recombinant receptor-expressing T cells
  • the dose of cells is administered to the subject as a single dose or is administered only one time within a period of two weeks, one month, three months, six months, 1 year or more.
  • the patient is administered multiple doses, and each of the doses or the total dose can be within any of the foregoing values.
  • the engineered cells for administration or composition of engineered cells for administration exhibits properties indicative of or consistent with cell health.
  • at or about or at least at or about 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90% CAR+ cells of such dose exhibit one or more properties or phenotypes indicative of cell health or biologically active CAR cell, such as absence expression of an apoptotic marker.
  • the phenotype is or includes an absence of apoptosis and/or an indication the cell is undergoing the apoptotic process.
  • Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death that includes a series of stereotyped morphological and biochemical events that lead to characteristic cell changes and death, including blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, chromosomal DNA fragmentation, and global mRNA decay.
  • early stages of apoptosis can be indicated by activation of certain caspases, e.g., 2, 8, 9, and 10.
  • middle to late stages of apoptosis are characterized by further loss of membrane integrity, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, include biochemical events such as activation of caspases 3, 6, and 7.
  • the phenotype is negative expression of one or more factors associated with programmed cell death, for example pro-apoptotic factors known to initiate apoptosis, e.g., members of the death receptor pathway, activated members of the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway, such as Bcl-2 family members, e.g., Bax, Bad, and Bid, and caspases.
  • pro-apoptotic factors known to initiate apoptosis e.g., members of the death receptor pathway, activated members of the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway, such as Bcl-2 family members, e.g., Bax, Bad, and Bid, and caspases.
  • the phenotype is the absence of an indicator, e.g., an Annexin V molecule or by TUNEL staining, that will preferentially bind to cells undergoing apoptosis when incubated with or contacted to a cell composition.
  • the phenotype is or includes the expression of one or more markers that are indicative of an apoptotic state in the cell.
  • the phenotype is lack of expression and/or activation of a caspase, such as caspase 3.
  • activation of caspase-3 is indicative of an increase or revival of apoptosis.
  • caspase activation can be detected by known methods.
  • an antibody that binds specifically to an activated caspase i.e., binds specifically to the cleaved polypeptide
  • the phenotype is or includes active caspase 3-.
  • the marker of apoptosis is a reagent that detects a feature in a cell that is associated with apoptosis.
  • the reagent is an annexin V molecule.
  • the compositions containing the engineered cells for administration contain a certain number or amount of cells that exhibit phenotypes indicative of or consistent with cell health. In some of any embodiments, less than about 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% of the CAR-expressing T cells in the dose of engineered T cells express a marker of apoptosis, optionally Annexin V or active Caspase 3. In some of any embodiments, less than 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% of the CAR-expressing T cells in the dose of engineered T cells express Annexin V or active Caspase 3.
  • Subjects administered the provided CAR-expressing T cells are monitored for adverse events including any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the T cell administration or the combination of the CAR-expressing T cells and a combination agent.
  • Adverse events include clinical risks that have been observed in subjects treated with a monotherapy of the CAR-expressing T cells.
  • Clinical risks associated with the administration of the CAR-expressing T cells may include, but are not limited to, cytokine release syndrome (CRS); neurologic toxicity; tumor lysis syndrome (TLS); infusion-related reaction; infections; hematologic toxicity (e.g., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia); second primary malignancy (SPM); macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; hair follicle, tongue, or skin inflammation; uncontrolled T-cell proliferation; replication-competent lentivirus; predominant clonal expansion and potential risk of insertional oncogenesis; advers reactions to excipients; graft versus host disease; and plasma-cell aplasia/hypogammaglobulinemia.
  • CRS cytokine release syndrome
  • TLS tumor lysis syndrome
  • SPM second primary malignancy
  • Straegies for clinical risk mitigation include interruption and dose modification guidelines; prophylaxis, monitoring, and management of infection/toxicity; premdication, exclusion criteria; inclusion criteria; SPM surveillance; pause of the study; treatment with supportive care; and management as per institutional standard of care.
  • toxicity and/or side-effects of treatment can be monitored and used to adjust dose and/or frequency of administration of the CAR- expressing T cells, combinations, and/or compositions.
  • adverse events and laboratory abnormalities can be monitored and used to adjust dose and/or frequency of administration. Any of such events adverse events may establish dose-limiting toxicities and warrant decrease in dose and/or a termination of treatment.
  • the biological activity of the engineered cell populations and/or antibodies in some aspects is measured by any of a number of known methods.
  • Parameters to assess include specific binding of an engineered or natural T cell or other immune cell to antigen, in vivo, e.g., by imaging, or ex vivo, e.g., by ELISA or flow cytometry.
  • the ability of the engineered cells to destroy target cells can be measured using any suitable method known in the art, such as cytotoxicity assays described in, for example, Kochenderfer et al., J. Immunotherapy, 32(7): 689-702 (2009), and Herman et al. J.
  • the biological activity of the cells also can be measured by assaying expression and/or secretion of certain cytokines, such as CD 107a, IFNy, IL-2, and TNF.
  • certain cytokines such as CD 107a, IFNy, IL-2, and TNF.
  • the biological activity is measured by assessing clinical outcome, such as reduction in tumor burden or load.
  • engineered cells are modified in any number of ways, such that their therapeutic or prophylactic efficacy is increased.
  • the engineered CAR expressed by the population in some embodiments are conjugated either directly or indirectly through a linker to a targeting moiety.
  • the practice of conjugating compounds, e.g., the CAR or TCR, to targeting moieties is known in the art. See, for instance, Wadwa et al., J. Drug Targeting, 3(2): 111 (1995), and U.S. Patent 5,087,616.
  • the methods also include, prior to administration of the T cell therapy, administration of a lymphodepleting therapy to the subject, e.g. such as cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, bendamustine, or combinations thereof.
  • the methods provided herein comprise a pre-treatment period.
  • the pre-treatment period comprises screening to determine subject eligibility, leukapheresis, bridging therapy, and lymphodepleting chemotherapy. a. Leukapheresis
  • the cells for introduction of the recombinant receptor may be isolated from a sample, such as a biological sample, e.g., one obtained from or derived from a subject.
  • a biological sample e.g., one obtained from or derived from a subject.
  • the subject from which the cell is isolated is one having the disease or condition or in need of a cell therapy or to which cell therapy will be administered.
  • the subject in some embodiments is a human in need of a particular therapeutic intervention, such as the adoptive cell therapy for which cells are being isolated, processed, and/or engineered.
  • the cells in some embodiments are primary cells, e.g., primary human cells.
  • the samples include tissue, fluid, and other samples taken directly from the subject, as well as samples resulting from one or more processing steps, such as separation, centrifugation, genetic engineering (e.g., transduction with viral vector), washing, and/or incubation.
  • the biological sample can be a sample obtained directly from a biological source or a sample that is processed.
  • Biological samples include, but are not limited to, body fluids, such as blood, plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, urine and sweat, tissue and organ samples, including processed samples derived therefrom.
  • the sample from which the cells are derived or isolated is blood or a blood-derived sample, or is or is derived from an apheresis or leukapheresis product.
  • exemplary samples include whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), leukocytes, bone marrow, thymus, tissue biopsy, tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, lymph node, gut associated lymphoid tissue, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, spleen, other lymphoid tissues, liver, lung, stomach, intestine, colon, kidney, pancreas, breast, bone, prostate, cervix, testes, ovaries, tonsil, or other organ, and/or cells derived therefrom.
  • Samples include, in the context of cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy, samples from autologous and allogeneic sources.
  • the provided methods involve leukapheresis of the subject approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy.
  • a leukapheresis collection is performed for each subject to obtain peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for the production of the CAR T cells (e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells).
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the subject may receive a bridging therapy after leukapheresis and before lymphodepleting chemotherapy.
  • a treating physician can determine if bridging therapy is necessary, for example for disease control, during manufacturing of the provided composition or cells.
  • bridging therapies may not contain any experimental therapy.
  • bridging therapy may not include BCMA-targeted therapy.
  • bridging therapies are discontinued prior to initiation of lymphodepletion.
  • bridging therapies are discontinued 1 day, 2 days 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 45 days, or 60 days before lymphodepletion.
  • bridging therapy is discontinued at least 14 days before lymphodelpletion. In some embodiments, corticosteroid bridging therapy is discontinued at least 72 hours prior lymphodepletion. In some embodiments, subjects must have recovered from bridging therapy related toxicities to Grade ⁇ 2 (except for alopecia) prior to initiation of LD chemotherapy. b. Lymphodepletion Chemotherapy
  • the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors e.g. CAR T cells, anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells
  • the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors is administered to the subject in combination with lymphodepletion chemotherapy.
  • lymphodepleting chemotherapy is thought to improve engraftment and activity of recombinant receptor-expressing cells, such as CAR T cells.
  • lymphodepleting chemotherapy may enhance adoptively transferred tumor- specific T cells to proliferate in vivo through homeostatic proliferation (Grossman 2004, Stachel 2004).
  • chemotherapy may reduce or eliminate CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, which can suppress the function of tumor-targeted adoptively transferred T cells (Turk 2004).
  • lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to adoptive T-cell therapy may enhance the expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in the bone marrow, enhancing the homing of modified T cells to the primary tumor site through binding of SDF-1 with CXCR-4 expressed on the T-cell surface (Pinthus 2004).
  • lymphodepleting chemotherapy may further reduce the subject’s tumor burden and potentially lower the risk and severity of cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
  • CRS cytokine release syndrome
  • lymphodepletion is performed on a subject, e.g., prior to administering engineered cells, e.g., CAR-expressing cells, e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells.
  • the lymphodepletion comprises administering one or more of melphalan, Cytoxan, cyclophosphamide, and/or fludarabine.
  • a lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered to the subject prior to, concurrently with, or after administration (e.g., infusion) of engineered cells, e.g., CAR-expressing cells, e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells.
  • the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered to the subject prior to administration of the engineered cells, e.g., CAR-expressing cells, e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells.
  • the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered 1 to 10 days prior to administration of the engineered cells, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 days prior to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells, or at least 2 days prior, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days prior, to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells.
  • the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered no more than 7 days prior, such as no more than 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 days prior, to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells.
  • the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered 5, 4, and 3 days prior to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered 4 and 3 days prior to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells.
  • the number of days after lymphodepleting chemotherapy that the engineered cells are administered can be determined based on clinical or logistical circumstances. In some examples, dose adjustments or other changes to the lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen can implemented due to a subject’s health, such as the subject’s underlying organ function, as determined by the treating physician.
  • lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprises administration of a lymphodepleting agent, such as cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, bendamustine, or combinations thereof.
  • a lymphodepleting agent such as cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, bendamustine, or combinations thereof.
  • the subject is administered cyclophosphamide once daily for one or two or three days.
  • the lymphodepleting agent comprises cyclophosphamide
  • the subject is administered cyclophosphamide at a dose between or between about 100 mg/m2 and 500 mg/m2 body surface area of the subject, such as between or between about 200 mg/m2 and 400 mg/m2, or 250 mg/m2 and 350 mg/m2, inclusive.
  • the subject is administered about 300 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide.
  • the cyclophosphamide can be administered in a single dose or can be administered in a plurality of doses, such as given daily, every other day or every three days.
  • cyclophosphamide is administered daily, such as for 1-5 days, for example, for 2 to 4 days.
  • the subject is administered about 300 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide, daily for 3 days, prior to initiation of the cell therapy.
  • the subject is administered fludarabine at a dose between or between about 1 mg/m2 and 100 mg/m2 body surface area of the subject, such as between or between about 10 mg/m2 and 75 mg/m2, 15 mg/m2 and 50 mg/m2, 20 mg/m2 and 40 mg/m2, or 25 mg/m2 and 35 mg/m2, inclusive.
  • the subject is administered about 30 mg/m2 of fludarabine.
  • the fludarabine can be administered in a single dose or can be administered in a plurality of doses, such as given daily, every other day or every three days.
  • fludarabine is administered daily, such as for 1-5 days, for example, for 2 to 4 days.
  • the subject is administered about 30 mg/m2 of fludarabine, daily for 3 days, prior to initiation of the cell therapy.
  • the lymphodepleting agent comprises a combination of agents, such as a combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine.
  • the combination of agents may include cyclophosphamide at any dose or administration schedule, such as those described above, and fludarabine at any dose or administration schedule, such as those described above.
  • the subject is administered fludarabine at or about 30 mg/m2, daily, and cyclophosphamide at or about 300 mg/m2, daily, for 3 days.
  • antiemetic therapy may be given prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising a combination of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
  • Mesna may be used for subjects with a history of hemorrhagic cystitis.
  • fludarabine is administered intravenously (IV) 30 mg/ m2 over 30 minutes.
  • cyclophosphamide is administered intravenously (IV) 300 mg/m2 over 60 minutes.
  • the lymphodepleting agent comprises bendamustine.
  • the subject is administered bendamustine at a dose between or between about 50 mg/m2 and 130 mg/m2 body surface area of the subject, such as between or between about 60 mg/m2 and 120 mg/m2, 70 mg/m2 and 110 mg/m2, 80 mg/m2 and 100 mg/m2, or 85 mg/m2 and 95 mg/m2, inclusive.
  • the subject is administered about 90 mg/m2 of bendamustine.
  • the bendamustine can be administered in a single dose or can be administered in a plurality of doses, such as given daily, every other day or every three days.
  • bendamustine is administered daily, such as for 1-5 days, for example, for 2 to 4 days, for example, for 1 to 3 days. In some instances, the subject is administered about 90 mg/m2 of bendamustine, daily for 2 days, prior to initiation of the cell therapy.
  • antiemetic therapy except dexamethasone or other steroids
  • acetaminophen, hydration, and/or other pre-treatments per institutional practice may be given prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising bendamustine.
  • bendamustine is administered intravenously (IV) 90 mg/ m2 per institutional practice.
  • the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors (e.g., CAR) is administered to the subject in combination with administration of a bispecific antibody.
  • the bispecific antibody is a T cell engager.
  • the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • the BCMA-directed T cell engager binds to BCMA and CD3.
  • the combination agent comprises a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3.
  • the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
  • the BCMA/CD3 bispecific antibody may be, but is not limited to, Teclistamab (INN 10928; CAS No. 2119595-80-9), Elranatamab (INN 11838; CAS No. 2408850-14-4), Alnuctamab (INN 11457; CAS No. 2296827-07-9), Abbv-383, REGN5458 (also known as Linvoseltamab; INN 12104; CAS No. 2408319-25-3.
  • the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab (INN 11457; CAS No. 2296827-07-9).
  • the bispecific antibody comprises one of more Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises one or more Fab fragments of an anti-CD3 antibody. In a specific embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • the bispecific antibody as described herein include the bispecific antibody described in W02021092056, which is hereby incorporate by reference.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody that binds to BCMA has a dissociation constant (Kd) of 10 8 M or less, preferably from 10 8 M to 10 13 M, preferably from 10 9 M to 10 13 M.
  • Kd dissociation constant
  • the anti-BCMA antibody binds to an epitope of BCMA that is conserved among BCMA from different species, preferably among human and cynomolgus, and in addition preferably also to mouse and rat BCMA.
  • the bispecific antibody further comprises an Fc portion.
  • the Fc is an IgGl Fc.
  • the Fc (e.g. an IgGl Fc) comprises a first Fc chain comprising first constant domains CH2 and CH3, and a second Fc chain comprising second constant domains CH2 and CH3.
  • the first CH3 domain comprises the modifications T366S, L368A and Y407V, or conservative substitutions thereof.
  • the second CH3 domain comprises the modification T366W or conservative substitutions thereof.
  • the Fc i.e. an IgGl Fc
  • the modifications D356E, and L358M comprises the modifications L234A, L235A, and P329G and the modifications D356E and L358M. In some embodiments, the Fc (i.e. an IgGl Fc) comprises the modifications L234A, L235A and P329G or the modifications D356E and L358M.
  • the bispecific antibody is a bivalent (the 1+1 format) antibody.
  • the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab (i.e. when no Fc is present).
  • the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab; Fc- BCMA Fab - CD3 Fab; or BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab (i.e. when an Fc is present).
  • the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab.
  • the bispecific antibody is a bivalent (the 2+1 format) antibody.
  • the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab - BCMA Fab; or BCMA Fab - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab (i.e. when no Fc is present). In some embodiments, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab; BCMA Fab - Fc - BCMA Fab - CD3 Fab; or CD3 Fab - Fc - BCMA Fab - BCMA Fab (i.e. when an Fc is present). In a specific embodiment, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a heavy chain variable (VH) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VH region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214, or contains a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 present in such a VH sequence.
  • VH heavy chain variable
  • the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to Kabat numbering. In some embodiments, the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to Chothia numbering. In some embodiments, the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to AbM numbering.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that has a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 219, 225, 233, 238, and 240; (b) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 220, 226, 239 and 241; and (c) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 221.
  • VH variable heavy chain
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequence of a CDR-H1, a CDR-H2, and a CDR-H3 contained within the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214.
  • the anti- BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antibody fragment comprising a VH region further comprises a light chain or a sufficient antigen binding portion thereof.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof contains a VH region and a VL region, or a sufficient antigen-binding portion of a VH and VL region.
  • a VH region sequence can be any of the above described VH sequences.
  • the antibody is an antigen-binding fragment, such as a Fab or an scFv.
  • the antibody is a full-length antibody that also contains a constant region.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a light chain variable (VL) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VL region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218, or contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 present in such a VL sequence.
  • VL light chain variable
  • the VL region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to Kabat numbering. In some embodiments, the VL region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to Chothia numbering. In some embodiments, the VL region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to AbM numbering.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL region comprising a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 222, 227, 229, 231, and 235; (b) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 223, 228, 230, 232, and 236; and (c) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 224, 234, and 237.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VL region comprising a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VL region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, or respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively, contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214 and a VL region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218.
  • the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, a CDR-H2, a CDR-H3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequences of CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 contained within the VH region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214; and comprises a CDR-L1, a CDR-L2, a CDR-L3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequences of CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218.
  • the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214 and the VL regions of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218.
  • the VH and VL regions of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprise the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 216, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 217, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 218, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 211 and 216, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 212 and 216, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 213 and 216, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 214 and 215, respectively; or any antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that has at least 90% sequence identity to any of the above VH and VL, such as at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity thereto.
  • VH and VL regions of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof provided therein comprise the amino acid sequences selected from: SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 216; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 217; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 218; SEQ ID NOs: 211 and 216; SEQ ID NOs: 212 and 216; SEQ ID NOs: 213 and 216; and SEQ ID NOs: 214 and 215, respectively.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 210; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 210; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:217.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 210; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 218.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 211 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 211; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 211 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 212; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 213; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 214 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 214; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:215.
  • the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
  • the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 214 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215.
  • the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a Fab comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243.
  • the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a Fab comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 244, 245, and 246, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 247, 248, and 249, respectively.
  • the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a Fab comprises a VH amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity toSEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 243.
  • the bispecific antibody is a bivalent bispecific antibody comprising two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody, one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and one Fc portion.
  • the bispecific antibody is in the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab.
  • the anti-BCMA antibodies is a Fab fragment of any of the anti-BCMA antibodies described above.
  • the two anti-BCMA Fab fragments have the same sequence.
  • the anti-CD3 antibody is a Fab fragment of any of the antibodies described above.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises heavy and light chain polypeptides comprising the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 252, and SEQ ID NO: 253 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 252, and SEQ ID NO: 253.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253.
  • the bispecific antibody is a bispecific antibody as described in WO 2017/021450 (e.g., Figure 2A) or W02021092056 (e.g., Figure 2A).
  • the antibody is the bispecific antibody known as alnuctumab.
  • the bispecific antibody is provided as a composition or formulation, such as a pharmaceutical composition or formulation. Such compositions can be used in accord with the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions.
  • the bispecific antibody is formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the choice of carrier is determined in part by the particular agent and/or by the method of administration. Accordingly, there are a variety of suitable formulations.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can contain preservatives. Suitable preservatives may include, for example, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, and benzalkonium chloride. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more preservatives is used.
  • the preservative or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 2% by weight of the total composition.
  • Carriers are described, e.g., by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980).
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are generally nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include, but are not limited to: buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and 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; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10
  • Buffering agents in some aspects are included in the compositions.
  • Suitable buffering agents include, for example, citric acid, sodium citrate, phosphoric acid, potassium phosphate, and various other acids and salts.
  • a mixture of two or more buffering agents is used.
  • the buffering agent or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 4% by weight of the total composition.
  • Methods for preparing administrable pharmaceutical compositions are known. Exemplary methods are described in more detail in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 21st ed. (May 1, 2005).
  • the formulations can include aqueous solutions.
  • the formulation or composition may also contain more than one active ingredient useful for the particular indication, disease, or condition being treated, where the respective activities do not adversely affect one another.
  • active ingredients are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended.
  • the pharmaceutical composition further includes other pharmaceutically active agents or drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, e.g., asparaginase, busulfan, carboplatin, cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, paclitaxel, rituximab, vinblastine, vincristine, etc.
  • chemotherapeutic agents e.g., asparaginase, busulfan, carboplatin, cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, paclit
  • the pharmaceutical composition in some embodiments contains the bispecific antibody in an amount effective to treat the disease or condition, such as a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount.
  • Therapeutic efficacy in some embodiments is monitored by periodic assessment of treated subjects. For repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on the condition, the treatment is repeated until a desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. However, other dosage regimens may be useful and can be determined.
  • the desired dosage can be delivered by a single bolus administration of the composition, by multiple bolus administrations of the composition, or by continuous infusion administration of the composition.
  • the bispecific antibody may be administered using standard administration techniques, formulations, and/or devices.
  • formulations and devices such as syringes and vials, for storage and administration of the compositions.
  • Formulations include those for oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, pulmonary, transdermal, intramuscular, intranasal, buccal, sublingual, or suppository administration.
  • the agent or cell populations are administered parenterally.
  • parenteral includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, and intraperitoneal administration.
  • the agent is administered to a subject using peripheral systemic delivery by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection.
  • compositions in some embodiments are provided as sterile liquid preparations, e.g., isotonic aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, or viscous compositions, which may in some aspects be buffered to a selected pH.
  • sterile liquid preparations e.g., isotonic aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, or viscous compositions, which may in some aspects be buffered to a selected pH.
  • Liquid preparations are normally easier to prepare than gels, other viscous compositions, and solid compositions. Additionally, liquid compositions are somewhat more convenient to administer, especially by injection. Viscous compositions, on the other hand, can be formulated within the appropriate viscosity range to provide longer contact periods with specific tissues.
  • Liquid or viscous compositions can comprise carriers, which can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol) and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • carriers can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol) and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the cells in a solvent, such as in admixture with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, or the like.
  • a suitable carrier such as in admixture with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, or the like.
  • the formulations to be used for in vivo administration are generally sterile. Sterility may be readily accomplished, e.g., by filtration through sterile filtration membranes.
  • the provided combination therapy methods involve administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 and a T cell therapy (e.g. CAR T cells).
  • the bispecific antibody may be any as described in Section B.l.
  • the BCMA/CD3 bispecific antibody may be any one of, but is not limited to, Teclistamab, Elranatamab, Alnuctamab, Abbv-383, REGN5458, REGN5459, TNB383B, and Pavurutamab.
  • the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab.
  • the provided combination therapy methods involve initiation of the administration of the bispecific antibody antibody that binds BCMA and CD3 subsequent to initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells).
  • the administration of the bispecific antibody occurs 1 day to 8 months, 14 days to 7 months, or 28 days to 6 months after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells).
  • the provided combination therapy methods involve initiating a dosing regimen comprising administration of the bispecific antibody no earlier than 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, 60 days, 70 days, or 80 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells).
  • the dosing regimen comprising the administration of the bispecific antibody is initiated no earlier than 60 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells).
  • the provided combination therapy methods involve initiating a dosing regimen comprising of administration of the bispecific antibody at least about or at or about 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, 60 days, 70 days, or 80 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. CAR T cells).
  • the dosing regimen comprising the administration of the bispecific antibody is initiated at least 60 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells).
  • the dosing regimen comprising the administration of the bispecific antibody is initiated at or about 60 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells).
  • the dosing regimen comprises administration of the bispecific antibody no more than once a week, twice a week, three times a week, 4 times a week, 5 times a week, 6 times a week, or 7 times a week.
  • the bispecific antibody is administered once a week, twice a week, three times a week, 4 times a week, 5 times a week, 6 times a week, or 7 times a week.
  • the bispecific antibody is administered once a day.
  • the bispecific antibody is administered more than once a day.
  • the bispecific antibody may be administered at different intervals in the course of treatment.
  • the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises a series of treatment cycles. In some embodiments, the treatment cycles for the bispecific antibody are 28-day or monthly cycles. In some embodiments, the treatment cycles for the bispecific antibody are 28-day cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen for the bispecific antibody comprises one or more cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 28, 19, or 20 cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 20 cylces or more. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a maximum of 12 cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a maximum of 15 cycles.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a maximum of 20 cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprising the treatment cycles is initiated no earlier than about 30, 60, 90, or 120 days after the initiation of the T cell therapy (infusion of CAR T cells). In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprising the treatment cycles is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the initiation of the T cell therapy (infusion of CAR T cells).
  • the dosing regimen comprises a first treatment cycle (Cl) that is an escalating dosing regimen.
  • Cl comprises one or more phases comprising one or more dose levels of the bispecific antibody.
  • Cl comprises a starting phase.
  • Cl comprises an intermediate phase.
  • Cl comprises a maintenance phase.
  • the starting phase comprises administration of one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the intermediate phase comprises administration of one or more intermediate doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the maintenance phase comprises administration of one or more maintenance doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • each maintenance dose is greater than the one or more starting doses.
  • each intermediate dose is greater than the one or more starting doses.
  • each intermediate dose is less than each maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a first cycle wherein the bispecific antibody is administered to the subject. In some embodiments, at least one dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least two doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least three doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least four doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least five doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, one dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, two doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, three doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, four doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, five doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle.
  • Cl comprises a starting phase which comprises administration of one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the one or more starting dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
  • the one or more starting dose is administered in the second week of Cl.
  • the one or more starting dose is administered in the third week of Cl.
  • the one or more starting dose is administered in the fourth week of Cl.
  • the one or more starting dose is administered on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and/or Day 7 of Cl.
  • the one or more starting dose is administered on Day 1 of Cl.
  • a single starting dose is administered on Day 1 of Cl.
  • Cl comprises an intermediate phase which comprises administration of one or more intermediate doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the second week of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the third week of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the fourth week of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and/or Day 7 of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, or Day 7 of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 1 through Day 7, on Day 1 through Day 6, on Day 1 through Day 5, on Day 1 through Day 4, on Day 1 through Day 3, on Day 1 and Day 2, on Day 2 through Day 7, on Day 2 through Day 6, on Day 2 through Day 5, on Day 2 through Day 4, on Day 2 and Day 3, on Day 3 through Day 7, on Day 3 through Day 6, on Day 3 through Day 5, on Day 3 and Day 4, on Day 4 through Day 7, on Day 4 through Day 6, on Day 4 and Day 5, on Day 5 through Day 7, on Day 5 and Day 6, or on Day 6 and Day 7 of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 3 of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 5 of Cl.
  • the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 6 of Cl.
  • a single intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 of Cl.
  • Cl comprises maintenance phase which comprises administration of one or more maintenance doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the second week of Cl.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the third week of Cl.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the fourth week of Cl.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, and/or on Day 28 of Cl.
  • Cl comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • Cl comprises the administration of three maintenance doses.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 of Cl.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of Cl.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 22 of Cl.
  • the starting phase comprises a starting dose of the bispecific antibody.
  • the starting dose comprises a single starting dose.
  • the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 1.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 3.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 3.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 2.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 2.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 1.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 3.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 3.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 2.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 1.5 mg and about
  • the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 1.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 2.0 mg. In some embodiments, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 3.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 4.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 5.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 6.0 mg.
  • the intermediate phase comprises an intermediate dose of the bispecific antibody.
  • the intermediate dose comprises a single intermediate dose.
  • the intermediate dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 1 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 4.0 mg, between between about 4 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 4.5 mg and about 4.5 mg and about 8.5 mg, between
  • the maintenance phase comprises a maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody.
  • the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 3.0 mg and about 60.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 35.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 25.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 20.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 15.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and 45.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 35.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 25.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 20.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 15.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 45.0 mg
  • the maintenance phase comprises a maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody.
  • the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 6.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 12.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 12.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and 10.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 12.0 mg, between about 12.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 12.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 12.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 14.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 14.0 mg and about 16.0 mg,
  • Cl of the dosing regimen comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at a dose of about 3.0 mg on Day 1, about 6.0 mg on Day 4, and about 30.0 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
  • the dosing regimen comprises Cl and two or more successive treatment cycles.
  • the dosing regimen of the successive cycles comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject once a week (Q1W), every other week (Q2W), once per month (Q4W), or combinations thereof.
  • the dosing regimen of the successive cycles comprises administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody.
  • the successive treatment cycles of the dosing regimen are characterized by reduced frequency administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the dosing regimen comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises three successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises four successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises five successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises seven successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3).
  • C2 of the dosing regimen comprises once weekly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C3 of the dosing regimen comprises once weekly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • both C2 and C3 of the dosing regimen comprise once weekly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C2.
  • C2 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C2 comprises the administration of four maintenance doses.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C2. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 of C2. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C2. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 22 of C2.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C3.
  • C3 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C3 comprises the administration of four maintenance doses.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C3. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 of C3. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C3. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 22 of C3.
  • C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22. In some embodiments, C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22. In some embodiments, C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22. In some embodiments, C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22.
  • the dosing regimen comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week (Q2W) dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises three successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises four successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises five successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises seven successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a fourth treatment cycle (C4), a fifth treatment cycle (C5), and a sixth treatment cycle (C6).
  • C4 of the dosing regimen comprises every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C5 of the dosing regimen comprises every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C6 of the dosing regimen comprises every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C4, C5, and C6 of the dosing regimen comprise every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C4.
  • C4 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C4 comprises the administration of two maintenance doses.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C4.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C4.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C5.
  • C5 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C5 comprises the administration of two maintenance doses.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C5.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C5.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C6.
  • C6 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C6 comprises the administration of two maintenance doses.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C6.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C6.
  • C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15.
  • the dosing regimen comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing (Q4W) of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises three successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises four successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises five successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises seven successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises eight successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises nine successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises ten successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises eleven successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises twelve successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In a specific embodiment, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a seventh treatment cycle (C7), an eigth treatment cycle (C8), a ninth treatment cycle (C9), a tenth treatment cycle (CIO), an eleventh treatment cycle (Cl 1), and a twelfth treatment cycle (C12).
  • C7 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C8 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C9 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • CIO of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • Cl l of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C12 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • C7, C8, C9, CIO, Cl l, and C12 of the dosing regimen comprise once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C7.
  • C7 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C7 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C7.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C8.
  • C8 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C8 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C8.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C9.
  • C9 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C9 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C9.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of CIO.
  • CIO comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • CIO comprises the administration of one maintenance dose.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of CIO.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of Cl 1.
  • Cl 1 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • Cl l comprises the administration of one maintenance dose.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of Cl l.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C12.
  • C12 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses.
  • C12 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose.
  • the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C12.
  • C7 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1.
  • C8 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1.
  • C9 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1.
  • CIO comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1.
  • Cl l comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1.
  • C12 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1.
  • the dosing regimen comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject for a maximum of 12 cycles.
  • the bispecific antibody can be administered by any suitable means, for example, by injection, e.g., intravenous or subcutaneous injections, intraocular injection, periocular injection, subretinal injection, intravitreal injection, trans-septal injection, subscleral injection, intrachoroidal injection, intracameral injection, subconjunctival injection, subconjunctival injection, sub-Tenon’s injection, retrobulbar injection, peribulbar injection, or posterior juxtascleral delivery.
  • the bispecific antibody is administered orally, parenterally, intrapulmonary, and intranasal, and, if desired for local treatment, intralesional administration.
  • Parenteral infusions include intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intracranial, intrathoracic, or subcutaneous administration.
  • Various dosing schedules include but are not limited to single or multiple administrations over various timepoints, bolus administration, and pulse infusion.
  • the bispecific antibody is administered subcutaneously.
  • Subjects administered the bispecific antibody are monitored for adverse events including any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the administration of the bispecific antibody or the administration of the combination of the bispecific antibody and the T cell therapy e.g. CAR T cells, anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells) to the subject.
  • Adverse events include clinical risks that have been observed in subjects treated with a monotherapy of the bispecific antibody.
  • Clinical risks associated with the administration of the bispecific antibody may include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurologic toxicity, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), injection-site reaction, infections, hematologic toxicity (e.g., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia), teratogenicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and hemorrhage.
  • CRM cytokine release syndrome
  • TLS tumor lysis syndrome
  • injection-site reaction infections
  • infections hematologic toxicity
  • e.g., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia teratogenicity
  • gastrointestinal toxicity e.g., hematologic toxicity
  • Strategies for clinical risk mitigation include interruption and dose modification guidelines; prophylaxis, monitoring, and management of toxicity/injection-site reactions/infections; exclusion criteria; inclusion criteria; and pregnancy surveillance.
  • the administration of the combination in accord with the provided methods effectively treats the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another therapy.
  • at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40% at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80%, of subjects treated according to the method achieve complete remission (CR).
  • at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the subjects treated according to the method achieve an objective response (OR).
  • At least or at least about 50% of subjects, at least or at least about 60% of the subjects, at least or at least about 70% of the subjects, at least or at least about 80% of the subjects or at least or at least about 90% of the subjects treated according to the method achieve CR and/or achieve an objective response (OR).
  • criteria assessed for effective treatment includes overall response rate (ORR; also known in some cases as objective response rate), complete response (CR; also known in some cases as complete remission), complete response rate (CRR); duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and/or overall survival (OS).
  • At least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of subjects treated according to the methods provided herein achieve complete remission (CR; also known in some cases as complete response), exhibit progression-free survival (PFS) and/or overall survival (OS) for greater than at or about 3 months, 6 months or 12 months or greater than 13 months or approximately 14 months.
  • PFS progression-free survival
  • OS overall survival
  • subjects treated according to the method exhibit a median PFS or OS of greater than at or about 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months.
  • the subject exhibits PFS or OS following therapy for at least at or about 6, 12, 18 or more months or longer.
  • the subjects treated according to the provided methods exhibits a complete response rate (CRR) of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%.
  • CRR is calculated as the percentage of subjects with the best overall response (BOR) up to 12 months, up to 18 months, up to 24 months, up to 36 months or longer.
  • assessment of the multiple myeloma response in accordance with IMWG Uniform Response Criteria will be performed by the investigator and should be performed based on the results of a central laboratory (unless otherwise specified). In some embodiments, all treatment discontinuation decisions due to disease progression should be made by treating physicians based on response as assessed using results from central laboratories per the IMWG criteria, except for new or increase in bone lesions or soft tissue plasmacytomas. In some embodiments, per IMWG Uniform Response Criteria, all response categories and progressive disease require two consecutive assessments except for progressive disease identified by radiographic or bone marrow assessments.
  • participants may benefit from close clinical observation and multiple myeloma disease monitoring activities including, but not limited to, medical history and physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, frequent laboratory monitoring, bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies.
  • ECG electrocardiogram
  • BMA bone marrow aspirate
  • assessment of response to therapy may involve the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as appropriate.
  • response assessment may be performed at baseline (e.g. prior to any of the methods provided herein), 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and/or 24 months following administration of the T cell therapy.
  • response assessment is be performed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months following administration of the T cell therapy.
  • Imaging assessments may include a bone lesion assessment and/or an assessment of extramedullary plasmacytomas.
  • whole body 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) or whole-body MRI within 28 days prior to start of treatment is required for all subject.
  • FDG PET-CT whole body 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography
  • MRI whole-body MRI within 28 days prior to start of treatment is required for all subject.
  • bone lesion assessment using low dose CT or MRI will be performed on study if clinically indicated (development of compression fracture does not exclude response) and to confirm progressive disease.
  • the site if imaging is performed on treatment for assessment of progression, the site must use the same modality of imaging as used at Screening.
  • the number and location of skeletal lesions and whether they are lytic is recorded.
  • any on-treatment survey should record whether there is an increase in the number of lytic lesions.
  • administration of the combination therapy to the subject may result in superior response rates and duration of response (DOR) compared with monotherapy of either component.
  • the measure of duration of response (DOR) includes the time from documentation of tumor response to disease progression.
  • the parameter for assessing response can include durable response, e.g., response that persists after a period of time from initiation of therapy. In some embodiments, durable response is indicated by the response rate at approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, or 48 months after initiation of therapy.
  • the method reduces the burden of the disease or condition, e.g., number of tumor cells, size of tumor, duration of patient survival or event-free survival, to a greater degree and/or for a greater period of time as compared to the reduction that would be observed with a comparable method using an alternative dosing regimen, such as one in which the subject receives one or more alternative therapeutic agents, one in which the subject does not receive a dose of cells and/or a lymphodepleting agent in accord with the provided methods, one in which the subject receives a dose of cells without a combination agent (e.g., a bispecific antibody), and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions.
  • a combination agent e.g., a bispecific antibody
  • survival of the subject survival within a certain time period, extent of survival, presence or duration of event-free or symptom-free survival, or relapse-free survival, is assessed.
  • any symptom of the disease or condition is assessed.
  • the measure of disease or condition burden is specified.
  • the overall survival rate of the subject is improved by the methods, as compared with other methods, for example, methods in which the subject receives one or more alternative therapeutic agents, one in which the subject does not receive a dose of cells and/or a lymphodepleting agent in accord with the provided methods, one in which the subject receives a dose of cells but does not receive a combination agent (e.g., a bispecific antibody), and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions.
  • overall survival rate is greater than about 40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 90%, or greater than about 95%.
  • the time to progression is improved, such as a time to progression of greater than at or about 6 months, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 years.
  • the probability of relapse is reduced as compared to other methods, for example, methods in which the subject receives one or more alternative therapeutic agents and/or one in which the subject does not receive a dose of cells and a combination agent (e.g., a bispecific antibody), and/or a lymphodepleting agent in accord with the provided methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions.
  • a combination agent e.g., a bispecific antibody
  • the probability of relapse at 6 months following the first dose is less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, or less than about 10%.
  • subjects treated according to any of the provided methods are assessed for one or more signs or symptoms of toxicity that may be associated with the administered cells or the combination agent.
  • Administration of adoptive T cell therapy such as treatment with T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors, can induce toxic effects or outcomes such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. In some examples, such effects or outcomes parallel high levels of circulating cytokines, which may underlie the observed toxicity.
  • the toxic outcome is or is associated with or indicative of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or severe CRS (sCRS).
  • CRS cytokine release syndrome
  • sCRS severe CRS
  • CRS can occur in some cases following adoptive T cell therapy and administration to subjects of combination agents. See Davila et al., Sci Transl Med 6, 224ra25 (2014); Brentjens et al., Sci. Transl. Med. 5, 177ra38 (2013).
  • outcomes associated with CRS include one or more of: persistent fever, e.g., fever of a specified temperature, e.g., greater than at or about 38 degrees Celsius, for two or more, e.g., three or more, e.g., four or more days or for at least three consecutive days; fever greater than at or about 38 degrees Celsius; elevation of cytokines, such as a max fold change, e.g., of at least at or about 75, compared to pre-treatment levels of at least two cytokines (e.g., at least two of the group consisting of interferon gamma (IFNy), GM-CSF, IL-6, IL- 10, Flt-3L, fracktalkine, and IL-5, and/or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa), or a max fold change, e.g., of at least at or about 250 of at least one of such cytokines; and/or at least one clinical sign of toxicity, such as hypo
  • cytokines such as
  • Exemplary CRS-related outcomes include increased or high serum levels of one or more factors, including cytokines and chemokines and other factors associated with CRS. Exemplary outcomes further include increases in synthesis or secretion of one or more of such factors. Such synthesis or secretion can be by the T cell or a cell that interacts with the T cell, such as an innate immune cell or B cell.
  • Factors include fevers, hypoxia, hypotension, neurologic changes, elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as a set of seven cytokines (IFNy, IL-5, IL-6, IL- 10, Flt-3L, fractalkine, and GM-CSF) whose treatment-induced elevation can correlate well with both pretreatment tumor burden and sCRS symptoms.
  • cytokines such as a set of seven cytokines (IFNy, IL-5, IL-6, IL- 10, Flt-3L, fractalkine, and GM-CSF
  • the criteria reflective of CRS grade are those detailed in Table 2 below.
  • the toxic outcome is or is associated with neurotoxicity.
  • symptoms associated with a clinical risk of neurotoxicity include, but not limited to, headache, mental status changes, confusion, word finding difficulty or aphasia, tremor, altered gait, dizziness, altered balance or vertigo, impaired arm or leg coordination, abnormal eye movements, and seizures.
  • neurologic symptoms may begin days to months after CAR T cell infusion and, in severe cases, may be life-threatening or fatal. In some embodiments, severe cases may require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for frequent monitoring, respiratory support, or intubation for airway protection.
  • ICU intensive care unit
  • neurologic examination including Immune effector Cell-associated Encephalopathy (ICE) Assessment Tool, is required.
  • the grading system for neurotoxicity is shown below in Tables 3 and 4.
  • one or more interventions or agents for treating the toxicity is administered at a time at which or immediately after which the subject is determined to or confirmed to (such as is first determined or confirmed to) exhibit sustained fever, for example, as measured according to any of the aforementioned embodiments.
  • the one or more toxicity-targeting therapies is administered within a certain period of time of such confirmation or determination, such as within 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, or 8 hours thereof.
  • the resulting response observed in subjects treated in accord with the provided methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions is associated with or results in a low risk of any toxicity or a low risk of severe toxicity in a majority of the subjects treated. In some embodiments, greater than or greater than about 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60% , 70%, 80%, or 90% or more of the subjects treated according to the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions do not exhibit any grade of CRS or any grade of neurotoxicity (NT).
  • NT neurotoxicity
  • greater than or greater than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more of the subjects treated according to the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions do not exhibit severe CRS or grade 3 or higher CRS. In some embodiments, greater than or greater than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% or more of the subjects treated according to the provided methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions, do not exhibit severe neurotoxicity or grade 3 or higher neurotoxicity, such as grade 4 neurotoxicity.
  • At least at or about 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of subjects treated according to the method and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions do not exhibit early onset CRS or neurotoxicity and/or do not exhibit onset of CRS earlier than 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or 4 days following initiation of the administration. In some embodiments, at least at or about 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of subjects treated according to the methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions, do not exhibit onset of neurotoxicity earlier than 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, six days or 7 days following initiation of the administration.
  • the median onset of neurotoxicity among subjects treated according to the methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions is at or after the median peak of, or median time to resolution of, CRS in subjects treated according to the method. In some cases, the median onset of neurotoxicity among subjects treated according to the method is greater than at or about 8, 9, 10, or 11 days.
  • treatment with cytolytic cancer therapies in the setting of high tumor burden may cause rapid tumor lysis and associated electrolyte and renal disturbance with risk of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death.
  • Tumor lysis syndrome TLS is manifested by rapid release of large amounts of potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids into the circulation with associated hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia.
  • Precipitation of uric acid and calcium phosphate crystals in the renal tubules can result in acute kidney injury and electrolyte disturbances and can trigger cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and sudden death.
  • subject with laboratory abnormalities suspicious for TLS are be managed with hypouricemic agents (eg, allopurinol and/or rasburicase), IV hydration, and diuretics as necessary to maintain urine output, and correction of hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, according to standard medical practice.
  • hypouricemic agents eg, allopurinol and/or rasburicase
  • IV hydration e.g., allopurinol and/or rasburicase
  • diuretics eg, allopurinol and/or rasburicase
  • Additional medications required to correct electrolyte abnormalities may be given.
  • electrolyte abnormalities such as infusions of glucose/insulin, calcium gluconate, oral phosphate binders, and others.
  • renal dialysis should be considered in consultation with a nephrologist.
  • subjects with laboratory abnormalities suspicious for clinically significant TLS should be hospitalized.
  • the articles of manufacture may include a container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container.
  • Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, IV solution bags, etc.
  • the containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic.
  • the container in some embodiments holds a composition which is by itself or combined with another composition effective for treating, preventing and/or diagnosing the condition.
  • the container has a sterile access port.
  • Exemplary containers include an intravenous solution bags, vials, including those with stoppers pierceable by a needle for injection, or bottles or vials for orally administered agents.
  • the label or package insert may indicate that the composition is used for treating a disease or condition.
  • the article of manufacture may include (a) a first container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition includes the engineered cells used for the cell therapy, e.g. an engineered T cell therapy; and (b) a second container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition includes the combination agent, e.g., a bispecific antibody.
  • the combination agent e.g., a bispecific antibody.
  • the first container comprises a first composition and a second composition, wherein the first composition comprises a first population of the engineered cells used for the immunotherapy, e.g., CD4+ T cell therapy, and the second composition comprises a second population of the engineered cells, wherein the second population may be engineered separately from the first population, e.g., CD8+ T cell therapy.
  • the first and second cell compositions contain a defined ratio of the engineered cells, e.g., CD4+ and CD8+ cells (e.g., 1:1 ratio of CD4+:CD8+ CAR+ T cells).
  • the first container comprises a first composition, a second composition, and a third composition
  • the first composition comprises a first population of the engineered cells used for the immunotherapy, e.g., CD4+ T cell therapy
  • the second composition comprises a second population of the engineered cells, wherein the second population may be engineered separately from the first population, e.g., CD8+ T cell therapy
  • the third composition comprises a combination agent (e.g. a bispecific antibody).
  • the first and second cell compositions contain a defined ratio of the engineered cells, e.g., CD4+ and CD8+ cells (e.g., 1:1 ratio of CD4+:CD8+ CAR+ T cells).
  • the article of manufacture may further include a package insert indicating that the compositions can be used to treat a particular condition.
  • the article of manufacture may further include another or the same container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer. It may further include other materials such as other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and/or syringes.
  • a “corresponding form” of an antibody means that when comparing a property or activity of two antibodies, the property is compared using the same form of the antibody. For example, if it is stated that an antibody has greater activity compared to the activity of the corresponding form of a first antibody, that means that a particular form, such as an scFv of that antibody, has greater activity compared to the scFv form of the first antibody.
  • Fc region herein is used to define a C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain that contains at least a portion of the constant region.
  • the term includes native sequence Fc regions and variant Fc regions.
  • a human IgG heavy chain Fc region extends from Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus of the heavy chain.
  • the C-terminal lysine (Lys447) of the Fc region may or may not be present.
  • numbering of amino acid residues in the Fc region or constant region is according to the EU numbering system, also called the EU index, as described in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 1991.
  • full length antibody “intact antibody,” and “whole antibody” are used herein interchangeably to refer to an antibody having a structure substantially similar to a native antibody structure or having heavy chains that contain an Fc region as defined herein.
  • an “isolated” antibody is one which has been separated from a component of its natural environment.
  • an antibody is purified to greater than 95% or 99% purity as determined by, for example, electrophoretic (e.g., SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF), capillary electrophoresis) or chromatographic (e.g., ion exchange or reverse phase HPLC).
  • electrophoretic e.g., SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF), capillary electrophoresis
  • chromatographic e.g., ion exchange or reverse phase HPLC
  • An “isolated” nucleic acid refers to a nucleic acid molecule that has been separated from a component of its natural environment.
  • An isolated nucleic acid includes a nucleic acid molecule contained in cells that ordinarily contain the nucleic acid molecule, but the nucleic acid molecule is present extrachromosomally or at a chromosomal location that is different from its natural chromosomal location.
  • isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-GPRC5D antibody refers to one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding antibody heavy and light chains (or fragments thereof), including such nucleic acid molecule(s) in a single vector or separate vectors, and such nucleic acid molecule(s) present at one or more locations in a host cell.
  • host cell refers to cells into which exogenous nucleic acid has been introduced, including the progeny of such cells.
  • Host cells include “transformants” and “transformed cells,” which include the primary transformed cell and progeny derived therefrom without regard to the number of passages. Progeny may not be completely identical in nucleic acid content to a parent cell, but may contain mutations. Mutant progeny that have the same function or biological activity as screened or selected for in the originally transformed cell are included herein.
  • polypeptide and “protein” are used interchangeably to refer to a polymer of amino acid residues, and are not limited to a minimum length.
  • Polypeptides including the antibodies and antibody chains and other peptides, e.g., linkers, may include amino acid residues including natural and/or non-natural amino acid residues.
  • the terms also include post-expression modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylation, sialylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and the like.
  • the polypeptides may contain modifications with respect to a native or natural sequence, as long as the protein maintains the desired activity. These modifications may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis, or may be accidental, such as through mutations of hosts which produce the proteins or errors due to PCR amplification.
  • percent (%) amino acid sequence identity and “percent identity” and “sequence identity” when used with respect to an amino acid sequence (reference polypeptide sequence) is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence e.g., the subject antibody or fragment) that are identical with the amino acid residues in the reference polypeptide sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR) software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for aligning sequences, including any algorithms needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full length of the sequences being compared.
  • An amino acid substitution may include replacement of one amino acid in a polypeptide with another amino acid.
  • Amino acid substitutions may be introduced into a binding molecule, e.g., antibody, of interest and the products screened for a desired activity, e.g., retained/improved antigen binding, or decreased immunogenicity.
  • Amino acids generally can be grouped according to the following common sidechain properties:
  • Non-conservative amino acid substitutions will involve exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.
  • vector refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of propagating another nucleic acid to which it is linked.
  • the term includes the vector as a selfreplicating nucleic acid structure as well as the vector incorporated into the genome of a host cell into which it has been introduced.
  • Certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of nucleic acids to which they are operatively linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as “expression vectors.”
  • composition refers to any mixture of two or more products, substances, or compounds, including cells. It may be a solution, a suspension, liquid, powder, a paste, aqueous, non-aqueous or any combination thereof.
  • a statement that a cell or population of cells is “positive” for a particular marker refers to the detectable presence on or in the cell of a particular marker, typically a surface marker.
  • a surface marker refers to the presence of surface expression as detected by flow cytometry, for example, by staining with an antibody that specifically binds to the marker and detecting said antibody, wherein the staining is detectable by flow cytometry at a level substantially above the staining detected carrying out the same procedure with an isotype-matched control under otherwise identical conditions and/or at a level substantially similar to that for cell known to be positive for the marker, and/or at a level substantially higher than that for a cell known to be negative for the marker.
  • a statement that a cell or population of cells is “negative” for a particular marker refers to the absence of substantial detectable presence on or in the cell of a particular marker, typically a surface marker.
  • a surface marker refers to the absence of surface expression as detected by flow cytometry, for example, by staining with an antibody that specifically binds to the marker and detecting said antibody, wherein the staining is not detected by flow cytometry at a level substantially above the staining detected carrying out the same procedure with an isotype-matched control under otherwise identical conditions, and/or at a level substantially lower than that for cell known to be positive for the marker, and/or at a level substantially similar as compared to that for a cell known to be negative for the marker.
  • Embodiment 1 A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising:
  • a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and
  • CAR chimeric antigen receptor
  • Embodiment 2 The method of embodiment 1, wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy.
  • Embodiment 3 The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • Embodiment 4 The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • Embodiment 5 The method of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein at least one fixed dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in an amount between 1 mg and 50 mg.
  • Embodiment 6 The method of any one of embodiments 2-5, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle.
  • Embodiment 7 The method of embodiment 6, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day cycle.
  • Embodiment 8 The method of any of embodiments 2-7, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises a first treatment cycle (Cl) that is an escalating dosing regimen comprising one or more starting dose and one or more maintenance dose, wherein the maintenance dose is greater than the starting dose.
  • Cl first treatment cycle
  • Embodiment 9 The method of embodiment 8, wherein Cl further comprises one or more intermediate dose, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose and less than the maintenance dose.
  • Embodiment 10 A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising:
  • a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and
  • CAR chimeric antigen receptor
  • the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day treatment cycle, and wherein the first treatment cycle (Cl) is an escalating dosing regimen comprising:
  • Embodiment 11 The method of embodiment 10, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • Embodiment 12 The method of embodiment 10, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
  • Embodiment 13 The method of any one of embodiments 10-12, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is 28 days to 6 months after administering the CAR-T cell therapy to the subject.
  • Embodiment 14 The method of any one of embodiments 10-13, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is no earlier than 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
  • Embodiment 15 The method of any of embodiments 10-14, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific is at or about 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
  • Embodiment 16 The method of any of embodiments 10-15, wherein the starting phase comprises a single starting dose.
  • Embodiment 17 The method of embodiment 8 and 10-16, wherein the starting dose is about 1.0 mg to 6 mg.
  • Embodiment 18 The method of any of embodiments 8 and 10-17, wherein the starting dose is about 3 mg.
  • Embodiment 19 The method of any one of embodiments 9-18, wherein the intermediate phase comprises a single intermediate dose.
  • Embodiment 20 The method of any one of embodiments 9-19, wherein the intermediate dose is about 4.5 mg to 10 mg.
  • Embodiment 21 The method of any one of embodiments 9-20, wherein the intermediate dose is about 6.0 mg.
  • Embodiment 22 The method of any of embodiments 8-21, wherein the maintenance dose is from about 6 mg to about 50 mg.
  • Embodiment 23 The method of any one of embodiments 8-22, wherein the maintenance dose is a about 25.0 mg to 35.0 mg.
  • Embodiment 24 The method of any of embodiments 8-23, wherein the maintenance dose is about 30 mg.
  • Embodiment 25 The method of any one of embodiments 8-21, wherein the maintenance dose is a about 6 mg to 18 mg.
  • Embodiment 27 The method of any one of embodiments 8-26, wherein the one or more starting dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
  • Embodiment 28 The method of any one of embodiments 8-27, wherein a single starting dose is administered on Day 1 (DI) of Cl.
  • Embodiment 29 The method of any one of embodiments 9-28, wherein the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
  • Embodiment 30 The method of any one of embodiments 9-29, wherein a single intermediate dose is administered on one of Days 3-6 of Cl.
  • Embodiment 31 The method of any one of embodiments 9-30, wherein the single intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 (D4) of Cl.
  • Embodiment 32 The method of any one of embodiments 8-28, wherein in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered once weekly after the first week.
  • Embodiment 33 The method of any one of embodiments 8-32, wherein in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 (D8), Day 15 (D15) and Day 22 (D22).
  • Embodiment 34 The method of any one of embodiments 8-33, wherein in Cl the bispecific antibody is administered at about 3 mg on Day 1, about 6 mg on Day 4, and about 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
  • Embodiment 35 The method of any one of embodiments 8-34, wherein the dosing regimen further comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing (Q1W) of the maintenance dose.
  • Q1W once weekly dosing
  • Embodiment 36 The method of embodiment 35, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 2-4 once weekly treatment cycles.
  • Embodiment 37 The method of any one of embodiments 8-36, wherein the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • C2 a second treatment cycle
  • Embodiment 38 The method of any one of embodiments 8-36, wherein the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3), wherein each of C2 and C3 are characterized by once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3), wherein each of C2 and C3 are characterized by once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • Embodiment 39 The method of embodiment 37 and embodiment 38, wherein the once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
  • Embodiment 40 The method of embodiment 38, wherein C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
  • Embodiment 41 The method of any one of embodiments 35-40, wherein after the once monthly treatment cycles, the dosing regimen comprises one or more additional treatment cycles characterized by reduced frequency administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody.
  • Embodiment 42 The method of embodiment 41, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise every other week dosing (Q2W), once monthly dosing (Q4W) or combinations thereof.
  • Embodiment 43 The method of embodiment 41 or embodiment 42, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise one or more treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • Embodiment 44 The method of embodiment 41, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 2-6 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • Embodiment 45 The method of any of embodiments 42-44, wherein the Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1 and 15.
  • Embodiment 46 The method of any one of embodiments 41-45, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles further comprise one or more Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose after the one or more Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • Embodiment 47 The method of any one of embodiments 41-46, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 4-10 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose.
  • Embodiment 48 The method of any of embodiments 41-47, wherein the Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Day 1 of each cycle.
  • Embodiment 49 The method of any one of embodiments 1-48, wherein the subjects are administered the bispecific antibody for a maximum of 12 treatment cycles.
  • Embodiment 50 A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the CAR T cell administration and is characterized by 12 treatment cycles that are each 28 days; wherein:
  • the first treatment cycle of the bispecific antibody administration comprises administration of 3 mg on Day 1, 6 mg on Day 4, and 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22;
  • the second and third treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22;
  • the fourth , fifth, and sixth treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1 and 15;
  • the 7-12 treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Day 1.
  • Embodiment 51 The method of any one of embodiments 1-50, wherein the bispecific antibody is administered subcutaneously.
  • Embodiment 52 The method of any one of embodiments 1-51, wherein the bispecific antibody is a trivalent bispecific antibody comprising two Fab fragments of an anti- BCMA antibody, one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and one Fc portion.
  • Embodiment 53 The method of any one of embodiments 1-52, wherein the bispecific antibody is in the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab.
  • Embodiment 54 The method of any one of embodiments 1-53, wherein the anti- BCMA Fab comprises:(a) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a light chain variable region (VE) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VE sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR
  • Embodiment 55 The method of any one of embodiments 1-54, wherein the anti- BCMA Fab comprises: (a) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively;
  • Embodiment 56 The method of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the anti- CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243.
  • Embodiment 57 The method of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the anti- CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 244, 245, and 246, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 247, 248, and 249, respectively.
  • Embodiment 58 The method of any one of embodiments 1-57, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises a first VH region, a first VL region, a second VH region, and a second VL region.
  • Embodiment 59 The method of any one of embodiments 1-58, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises wherein the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253.
  • Embodiment 60 The method of any one of embodiments 1-59, wherein the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab.
  • Embodiment 61 The method of any one of embodiments 1-60, wherein the CAR comprises (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), (2) an immunoglobulin hinge spacer of at least 125 amino acids in length; (3) a transmembrane domain; and (4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and a costimulatory signaling region, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1
  • Embodiment 62 The method of embodiment 61, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:50, 51 and 47, respectively, and the VL region comprises
  • Embodiment 63 The method of embodiment 61 or 62, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region wherein: the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 118, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 119, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs
  • the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 14 or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 122, respectively, respectively.
  • Embodiment 64 The method of any of embodiments 61-63, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of S
  • Embodiment 65 The method of any of embodiments 61-64, wherein: the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 119, respectively; or the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121, respectively.
  • Embodiment 66 The method of any of embodiments 61-65, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119.
  • Embodiment 67 The method of any of embodiments 61-66, wherein the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively.
  • Embodiment 68 The method of any of embodiments 61-67, wherein the single chain antibody fragment is or comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv).
  • scFv single chain variable fragment
  • Embodiment 69 The method of any of embodiments 61-68, when the VH region and the VL region are joined by a flexible linker.
  • Embodiment 70 The method of embodiment 69, wherein the linker comprises the amino acid sequence GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 127).
  • Embodiment 71 The method of any of embodiments 61-70, wherein the VH region is carboxy-terminal to the VL region.
  • Embodiment 72 The method of any of embodiments 61-71, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141.
  • Embodiment 73 The method of any of embodiments 61-72, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
  • Embodiment 74 The method of any of embodiments 61-73, wherein the spacer comprises a sequence of a hinge region, a CH2 and CH3 region.
  • Embodiment 75 The method of any of embodiments 61-74, wherein the spacer comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge region or a modified IgG4 hinge region comprising at least one amino acid replacement compared to a human IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region.
  • Embodiment 76 The method of any of embodiments 61-75, wherein the spacer is or comprises (i) the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162; (ii) a functional variant of SEQ ID NO: 162 that has at least at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162; or (iii) a contiguous portion of (i) or (ii) that is at least 125 amino acids in length.
  • Embodiment 77 The method of any one of embodiments 61-76, wherein the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
  • Embodiment 78 The method of any of embodiments 61-77, wherein the cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3 ⁇ comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176.
  • Embodiment 79 The method of embodiment 78, wherein the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of CD28, 4- IBB, or ICOS, or a signaling portion thereof.
  • Embodiment 80 The chimeric antigen receptor of any of embodiments 78 or 79, wherein the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of 4- 1BB.
  • Embodiment 81 The method of any of embodiments 78-80, wherein the costimulatory signaling region is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
  • Embodiment 82 The method of any of embodiments 61-81, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain from CD4, CD28, or CD8.
  • Embodiment 83 The method of any of embodiments 61-82, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain derived from CD28.
  • Embodiment 84 The method of any one of embodiments 61-83, wherein the CAR comprises: (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), wherein the extracellular antigenbinding domain comprises: (i) a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and (ii) a variable light chain (VL) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about
  • Embodiment 85 The method of embodiment 84, wherein: the extracellular antigenbinding domain comprises the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119.
  • Embodiment 86 The method of embodiment 84 or 85, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
  • Embodiment 87 The method of any of embodiments 61-86, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 173.
  • Embodiment 88 The method of any of embodiments 84-87, wherein the intracellular signaling region comprises (a) a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176 and (b) and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4- 1BB comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to
  • Embodiment 89 The method of any of embodiments 84-87, wherein the intracellular signaling region is or comprises the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 and SEQ ID NO: 179.
  • Embodiment 90 The method of any of embodiments 1-89, wherein the chimeric antigen receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183.
  • Embodiment 91 The method of any of embodiments 1-89, wherein the chimeric antigen receptor is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182.
  • Embodiment 92 The method of any of embodiments 1-91, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 2.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.25 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR- expressing T cells, between about
  • Embodiment 93 The method of any of embodiments 1-92, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 1.5 x 107, at or about 2.5 x 107, at or about 5.0 x 107, at or about 7.5 x 107, at or about 1.5 x 108, at or about 2.25 x 108, at or about 3.0 x 108, at or about 4.5 x 108, at or about 6.0 x 108, at or about 8.0 x 108, or at or about 1.2 x 109 CAR- expressing T cells.
  • Embodiment 94 The method of any of embodiments 1-93, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 7.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells.
  • Embodiment 95 The method of any one of embodiments 1-94, wherein the method further comprises administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to administration of the CAR-T cell therapy.
  • Embodiment 96 The method of embodiment 95, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of the CAR-expressing T cells.
  • Embodiment 97 The method of embodiment 95 or 96, wherein the administration of the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 2 to 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of engineered T cells.
  • Embodiment 98 The method of any one of embodiments 95-97, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and/or cyclophosphamide.
  • Embodiment 99 The method of any one of embodiments 95-98, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
  • Embodiment 100 The method of any one of embodiments 95-99, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of cyclophosphamide at or about 200-400 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 300 mg/m2 daily.
  • Embodiment 101 The method of any one of embodiments 95-99, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine at or about 20-40 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 30 mg/m2 daily.
  • Embodiment 102 The method of any one of embodiments 95-101, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for 2-4 days, optionally for 3 days.
  • Embodiment 103 The method of any one of embodiments 95-98 wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of bendamustine.
  • Embodiment 104 The method of any one of embodiments 95-98 and 103, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine at or about 50-130 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 90 mg/m2 daily.
  • Embodiment 105 The method of any one of embodiments 95-98, 103, and 104, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine for 1-3 days, optionally for 2 days.
  • Embodiment 106 Embodiment 106.
  • any one of embodiments 1-105 wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody in combination with the CAR-T cell therapy is such that the subject does not develop a toxicity characterized by one or more of: (i) Any Grade 4 CRS and Grade CRS that does not resolve to Grade ⁇ 2 within 72 hours; (ii) any duration Grade 3 ICANS or neurotoxicity (NT); (iii) a higher than Grade 3 toxicity involving vital organs (eg, cardiac, pulmonary) of any duration; (iv) all other Grade 3 toxicities not attributable to underlying disease or lymphodepleting chemotherapy that do not resolve to ⁇ Grade 2 within 72 hours, other than a non-CRS toxicity of the liver in which liver amino transferase levels > 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) are accompanied by an elevation of total bilirubin to >2 x ULN without initial findings of cholestasis (e.g., elevated serum alkaline phosphatase) for which no other reason can be found to explain
  • Embodiment 107 The method of any one of embodiments 1-106, wherein the subject does not develop a severe toxicity.
  • Example 1 Clinical Efficacy of GPRC5D-Targeted CAR T cell Monotherapy
  • T cell compositions containing T cells engineered to express a CAR incorporating a GPRC5D-targeted CAR also referred to as “anti- GPRC5D CAR”.
  • a CAR incorporating a GPRC5D-targeted CAR also referred to as “anti- GPRC5D CAR”.
  • Safety and response in subjects after administration of T cells expressing the GPRC5D-targeted CAR were assessed.
  • T cell Compositions containing anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing T cells A. Generation of T cell Compositions containing anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing T cells
  • CAR construct contained an extracellular antigen-binding domain incorporating a GRPC5D-targeted scFv antigen-binding domain comprising a VH of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a VL of SEQ ID NO: 8 connected by a linker (containing residues set forth in SEQ ID NO: 129).
  • linker containing residues set forth in SEQ ID NO: 129.
  • the sequence of the scFv is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
  • the CAR construct further contained an immunoglobulin-derived long spacer domain (hinge-CH2-CH3, 228aa; SEQ ID NO: 162, encoded by the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163) with CH2 modifications to limit Fc receptor binding; a human CD28-derived transmembrane domain (SEQ ID NO: 173); a human 4-lBB-derived intracellular signaling domain (SEQ ID NO: 179); and a human CD3zeta- derived intracellular signaling domain (SEQ ID NO: 176).
  • an immunoglobulin-derived long spacer domain hinge-CH2-CH3, 228aa; SEQ ID NO: 162, encoded by the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163 with CH2 modifications to limit Fc receptor binding
  • a human CD28-derived transmembrane domain SEQ ID NO: 173
  • a human 4-lBB-derived intracellular signaling domain SEQ ID NO: 179
  • Table El sets forth the components, and SEQ ID NO, of the exemplary generated anti-GPRC5D CAR construct.
  • the polynucleotide sequence encoding the anti-GPRC5D CAR was also codon optimized and modified to eliminate splice donor and splice acceptor sites within the polynucleotide sequence with a splice site score of > 0.7 (> 70% probability of a splice event), e.g., in promoter region and long spacer region) by silent mutation to reduce the splice site score to less than 0.7.
  • the nucleotide sequences of the modified nucleotide sequence encoding the spacer of the CAR is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
  • the nucleotide sequence of the CAR is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183.
  • CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations are isolated by immunoaffinity-based enrichment from leukapheresis samples from individual subjects with MM, and then the enriched CD4+ and enriched CD8+ cell compositions are separately cryofrozen and subsequently thawed and mixed at a ratio of 1:1 of viable CD4+ T cells to viable CD8+ T cells, prior to carrying out steps for stimulation, transduction and expansion.
  • CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the mixed cell composition are incubated for between 18 and 30 hours in the presence of paramagnetic polystyrene-coated beads with attached anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, at a 1:1 bead to cell ratio in serum-free media containing recombinant IL-2, IL-7, and IL- 15.
  • viable T cells from the incubated cell composition are transduced in serum free media with cytokines with a lentiviral vector encoding the anti-GPRC5D CAR by spinoculation for 60 minutes followed by incubation for about 18 to 30 hours at about 37 °C.
  • the transduced cells are then expanded by cultivation in a bioreactor (e.g. a rocking motion bioreactor) in serum free media containing twice the concentration of IL-2, IL-7, and IL- 15 as used during the incubation and transduction steps by initial cultivation under steady rocking conditions (non-perfusion) until a threshold viable cell density of greater than or about 0.6 x 10 6 cells/mL is achieved in about 1000 mL, and media is then replaced by semi-continuous perfusion with continual mixing. Media is added to the culture in a step-wise manner with total volume per day determined by viable cell density.
  • a bioreactor e.g. a rocking motion bioreactor
  • serum free media twice the concentration of IL-2, IL-7, and IL- 15 as used during the incubation and transduction steps by initial cultivation under steady rocking conditions (non-perfusion) until a threshold viable cell density of greater than or about 0.6 x 10 6 cells/mL is achieved in about 1000 mL, and media is then
  • the cells are harvested at a time one day after the total number of nucleated cells (TNC) reach at least or at least approximately 1000 x 10 6 , which generally is at a point at which the TNC number reach at least or at least approximately 2400 x 10 6 total nucleated cells, with at least 85% viability.
  • TNC nucleated cells
  • the anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibody conjugated beads are removed from the cell composition.
  • the process results in a cell composition that is observed to be enriched for a central memory phenotype (e.g. CD45RA-CCR7+) as compared to the starting samples.
  • a central memory phenotype e.g. CD45RA-CCR7+
  • the 3 prior therapies included 3 or more of: (1) a regimen that included at least 1 complete cycle of treatment (unless progressive disease was the best response to the regimen) of an immunomodulatory agent (e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide) and a proteasome inhibitor (e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixaxomib), either alone or in combination; (2) a regimen that include anti-CD38 antibody therapy (e.g., daratumumab), alone or in combination; (3) a regimen that included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), unless the participant was ineligible; and (4) prior therapy targeting BCMA and/or GPRC5D.
  • an immunomodulatory agent e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide
  • a proteasome inhibitor e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib, ix
  • induction with or without HSCT and with or without maintenance therapy was considered 1 regimen.
  • the subjects must have confirmed progressive disease (measurable MM) as determined by IMWG criteria on or within 12 months (measured from the last dose) of completing treatment with the last anti-myeloma treatment regimen or have confirmed progressive disease within 6 months prior to screening for CAR-T cell treatment and who are subsequently determined to be refractory or non-responsive to their most recent anti-myeloma treatment regimen.
  • subjects who have received as their last treatment a CAR T-cell therapy may be eligible beyond 12 months of their last treatment.
  • the subjects also much have Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0- 1.
  • Subjects were treated either by intravenous administration of fludarabine (flu, 30 mg/m 2 /day) and cyclophosphamide (Cy, 300mg/m 2 /day) for 3 days prior to CAR-T cell infusion, or by intravenous administration of bendamustine (90 mg/m 2 ) for 2 days prior to CAR-T cell infusion.
  • cryopreserved cell compositions were thawed at bedside prior to intravenous administration, with the day of infusion being designated day 1.
  • subjects were administered a dose of CAR T cells (viable CD3+ CAR+ T cells) as follows: a single dose of 25 x 10 6 CAR T cells, 75 x 10 6 CAR T, 150 x 10 6 CAR T, 300 x 10 6 CAR T, and 450 x 10 6 CAR T cells.
  • TEAEs nervous system disorder treatment emergent adverse events
  • cerebellar disorder included: dizziness (19 subjects [28.4%]; considered related in a subset of 7 subjects [10.4%]), ataxia (3 subjects [4.5%], considered related in a subset of 2 subjects [3.0%]), ‘cerebellar toxicity’ which was coded to ‘neurotoxicity’ (1 subject, considered related [1.5%], dysarthria (1 subject, considered related [1.5%]), and nystagmus (1 subject [1.5%]); all events were maximum Grade 1 or 2 except one Grade 3 dizziness event (1.5%).
  • TEAEs nervous system disorder treatment emergent adverse events
  • the GPRC5D-target CAR T cell composition exhibits efficacy with an acceptable safety profile in subjects with RRMM. All dose levels tested were declared tolerable during dose escalation.
  • the safety profile of the GPRC5D-directed T cell therapy included Grade 3+ CRS at dose levels of 300 x 10 6 and 450 x 10 6 (11.8% at 300 x 10 6 , 9.1% at 450 x 10 6 ), as well as Grade 3 ICANS at 300 x 10 6 (11.8%). Based on an integrated analysis of PK, Pd, safety, and efficacy data, the 150 x 10 6 CAR T cell dose level provides a favorable benefit-risk ratio.
  • Example 2 Combination Therapy of GPRC5D-Targeted CAR T cell Therapy with Alnuctamab in Subjects with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)
  • the GPRC5D-targeting CAR T cell therapeutic compositions are generated as described, e.g., in Example 1.
  • Alnuctamab (also known as BMS-986349, CC-93269, or EM901) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) x CD3 T cell-bispecific antibody that is a T cell engager (TCE) that induces T cell-mediated killing of multiple myeloma (MM) cells.
  • BCMA B-cell maturation antigen
  • TCE T cell engager
  • Alnuctamab has two anti- BCMA Fabs in asymmetrical design (2+1) with an IgGl Fc backbone.
  • the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253.
  • alnuctamab is provided in combination with GPRC5D-directed CAR T cell therapy to improve responses to increase overall response rate (ORR) and progression free survival (PFS) by at least 2 mechanisms: (1) given the heterogeneity of GPRC5D and BCMA target expression among myeloma cells has been demonstrated in individual patients, combining anti-GPRC5D and anti-BCMA targeted therapy such as alnuctamab may yield greater depth of tumor clearance, increase rates of clearance of minimal residual disease (MRD), and potentially greater durability of response; and (2) administering alnuctamab after anti-GPRC5D CAR T cell therapy is expected to re-direct endogenous T cells to kill BCMA expressing tumor cells.
  • the alnuctamab TCE may also engage residual CAR T cell, prolonging combined endogenous T cell and CAR T cell immune surveillance against the tumor.
  • a group of human subjects are selected for administration of anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing T cells in combination with alnuctamab.
  • the study consists of 2 parts: dose finding (Part 1) and dose expansion (Part 2).
  • Subjects selected for Part 1 are those diagnosed with RRMM and underwent at least 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment regimens including an immunomodulatory agent, proteasome inhibitor, and anti-CD38.
  • the safety and preliminary efficacy of the dose is confirmed in subjects with RRMM with at least 1 but not greater than 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment regimens, including a proteasome and immunomodulatory agent in Part 2.
  • the subject has a diagnosis of MM with relapsed and/or refractory disease.
  • the subject must have confirmed progressive disease (as per IMWG criteria) on or within 12 months (measured from the last dose) of completing treatment with the last antimyeloma treatment regimen before study entry or have confirmed progressive disease within 6 months prior to Screening and who are subsequently determined to be refractory or non-responsive to their most recent anti-myeloma treatment regimen, except for subjects with cellular therapy (eg, CAR T- cell therapy) as their last treatment, who may enroll beyond 12 months.
  • cellular therapy eg, CAR T- cell therapy
  • the subject must have received at least 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment regimens (note: induction with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT] and with or without maintenance therapy is considered 1 regimen): [0599] i) A regimen that included an immunomodulatory agent (eg, thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide) and a proteasome inhibitor (eg, bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixazomib), either alone or in combination. Subjects must have undergone at least 1 complete cycle of treatment unless progressive disease was the best response to the regimen.
  • an immunomodulatory agent eg, thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide
  • a proteasome inhibitor eg, bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixazomib
  • anti-CD38 eg, daratumumab
  • the subject is a subject who has not received prior treatment for MM with the following therapies within the specified period (i.e. has undergone a washout period > the specified period): i) bendamustine within 6 months before leukapheresis; ii) therapeutic doses of corticosteroids (defined as > 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) within 14 days before leukapheresis; iii) approved anti-MM antibody (e.g., daratumumab) within 14 days before leukapheresis; iv) any other systemic therapy approved for the treatment of MM within 14 days before leukapheresis, except T cell engaging agents which are within 28 days; v) any experimental biologies or any other therapy within 28 days or 5 half-lives before leukapheresis, whichever is shorter (minimum 14 days); vi) autologous HSCT (i.e.
  • HSCT hematopoietic stem cell infusion
  • allogeneic HSCT i.e. day of hematopoietic stem cell infusion
  • prior CAR T cell therapy administered within 3 months before leukapheresis
  • immunosuppresive therapies within 4 weeks before leukapheresis (eg, calcineurin inhibitors, methotrexate or other chemotherapeutic s, mycophenolate, rapamycin, immunosuppressive antibodies such as anti-TNF, anti-IL6, or anti-IL6R)
  • donor lymphocyte infusions within 6 weeks before leukapheresis
  • plasmapheresis within 14 days before leukapheresis
  • radiation that includes a large bone marrow field such as the pelvis or
  • Subjects are administered a single-dose IV infusion of anti-GPRC5D CAR- expressing T cells (viable CD3+ CAR+ T cells) (Dose Level 1 (DL1) of 75 x 10 6 cells or Dose Level 2 (DL2) of 150 x 10 6 cells) after undergoing lymphodepleting chemotherapy as described in Example 1.
  • the subjects optionally may receive a bridging therapy (typically for ⁇ 4 weeks) between the time of leukapheresis and the lymphodepleting therapy during the time the autologous anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing cells are being manufactured (e.g., engineered and expanded).
  • the bridging therapy may not include a BCMA-targeted therapy.
  • Bridging therapy is discontinued at least 14 days prior to initiation of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, except corticosteroids which is discontinued at least 72 hours prior.
  • the subject also is recovered from bridging therapy relates toxicities to Grade ⁇ 2 (except for alopecia) prior to initiation of lymphodepleting therapy.
  • Subjects are administered alnuctamab subcutaneously starting as early as 60 days after the CAR T cell infusion unless the subject has Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, in which case treatment is started after neutropenia and thrombocytopenia recover to Grade ⁇ 2.
  • the timing of 2 months before the first dose of alnuctamab is administered is chosen as being a time that is consistent with the dynamics of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet recovery in RRMM subjects after treatment with alnuctamb and reflects improving normal hematopoietic function.
  • ANC absolute neutrophil count
  • delay in administration of alnuctamab may thus reduce risk of toxicity from the combination therapy.
  • the first day of alnuctamab is considered Day 1 (DI) of a cycle and all cycles are 28 days.
  • Subjects are administered subcutaneous alnuctamab on Days 1 (initial dose), 4 (intermediate dose), 8 (maintenance dose), 15 (maintenance dose), and 22 (maintenance dose) of the first cycle (Cl) of administration.
  • the subjects are to receive administration of alnuctamab involving a 3/6/30 mg subcutaneous dose escalation (initial dose of 3 mg on CID 1, a step-up dose of 6 mg on C1D4 and a target dose of 30 mg on C1D8, C1D15 and C1D22.
  • subjects are administered alnuctamab once a week (QW) (i.e., Days 1, 8, 15, 22) in Cycles 2 and 3, every other week (Q2W) (i.e., Days 1 and 15) in Cycles 4-6, and once monthly (Q4W) (i.e., Day 1) in Cycles 7-12.
  • Subjects may be administered alnuctamab for a maximum of 12 cycles.
  • the limited duration treatment of 12 cycles - as opposed to continuous treatment until disease progression - may be chosen due to the mechanism of action of TCEs with rapid responses and potential risk for toxicity (e.g., infections) with prolonged treatment.
  • the limited treatment duration is supported by results that indicate SC administration of alnuctamab at the dose and regimens has a long duration of response.
  • FIG. 1 An exemplary treatment regimen is depicted in FIG. 1.
  • Subjects are monitored for safety (including serious and severity of adverse events), pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and clinical response through responses by International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Uniform Response Criteria (Kuman 2016). Determining clinical response to the treatment includes assessing the overall response rate (ORR; partial response or better), complete response rate (CRR; including proportion of patients with sCR or CR) and very good partial response rate or better (VGPRR; including proportion of patients achieving sCR, CR or VGPR). The estimated Cmax, tmax, AUC (0-28D, and other relevant PK parameters of CAR T cells in the peripheral blood are assessed.
  • Subjects also are monitored for dose-limiting toxicides (DLT) of the administered alnuctamab.
  • DLT dose-limiting toxicides
  • the DLT period will begin on the first day the subject has been exposed to both the GPRC5D-directed CAR T cells and the combination agent alnuctamab and will end 28 days later.
  • NCI National Cancer Institute
  • CCAE Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
  • CCAE Common terminology criteria for adverse events
  • > 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) are accompanied by an elevation of total bilirubin to >2 x ULN without initial findings of cholestasis (e.g., elevated serum alkaline phosphatase) for which no other reason can be found to explain the combination of increased amino transferase to total bilirubin, such as viral hepatitis A, B, or C; pre-existing or acute liver disease; or another drug capable of causing the observed liver injury; o Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase lasting ⁇ 14 days or Grade 4 AST and/or ALT increase lasting ⁇ 7 days; o Certain treatment-emergent, isolated Grade 3 or 4, asymptomatic laboratory electrolyte abnormalities (ie, those occurring without clinical consequence) not directly related to vital organ toxicities (eg, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyper
  • Part 2 An additional study (Part 2) is performed to evaluate the combination treatment comprising the CAR-positive T cells and alnuctamab, in subjects with RRMM who have been treated with at least 1, but not more than 3, anti-myeloma treatment regimens.
  • the subjects must have confirmed progressive disease (measurable MM) as determined by IMWG criteria on or within 12 months (measured from the last dose) of completing treatment with the last anti-myeloma treatment regimen or have confirmed progressive disease within 6 months prior to screening for CAR-T cell treatment and who are subsequently determined to be refractory or non-responsive to their most recent anti-myeloma treatment regimen.
  • subjects who have received as their last treatment a CAR T-cell therapy may be eligible beyond 12 months of their last treatment.

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Abstract

Provided herein are methods and uses of combination therapies involving GPRC5D- targeted cell therapy comprising chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which contain extracellular antigen-binding domains that bind to G Protein-Coupled Receptor Class C Group 5 Member D (GPRC5D), and a combination agent, e.g. bispecific antibody, for treating subjects with cancers such as multiple myeloma, and related methods, uses, and articles of manufacture.

Description

COMBINATION THERAPIES WITH A CELL THERAPY EXPRESSING A GPRC5D-TARGETING CAR AND RELATED METHODS AND USES
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/538,264, filed September 13, 2023, entitled “COMBINATION THERAPIES WITH A CELL THERAPY EXPRESSING A GPRC5D-TARGETING CAR AND RELATED METHODS AND USES”, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Incorporation by Reference of Sequence Listing
[0002] The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled 735042027640SeqList.XML, created August 28, 2024, which is 345,518 bytes in size. The information in the electronic format of the Sequence Listing is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates in some aspects to methods and uses of combination therapies involving a T cell therapy, e.g., a CAR T cell therapy, and an additional agent, e.g. bispecific antibody; e.g. a BCMA-directed T cell engager, for treating subjects with cancers such as multiple myeloma, and related methods, uses, and articles of manufacture. The T cell therapy includes cells that express recombinant receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) which contain extracellular antigen-binding domains that bind to G Protein-Coupled Receptor Class C Group 5 Member D (GPRC5D).
Background
[0004] G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) is a G-protein coupled receptor, the specific function of which has not yet been determined. The expression of GPRC5D is high in bone marrow samples of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) compared to the minimal expression of GPRC5D in bone marrow samples of patients with other hematological malignancies. Based on its expression, GPRC5D could be a marker of MM tumors and a therapeutic target. GPRC5D-binding chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and cells expressing such CARs, are available. However, there remains a need for improved GPRC5D- binding CARs, engineered GPRC5D-CAR expressing targeting cells, and combination therapies. Provided herein are embodiments that meet such needs.
Summary
[0005] Provided herein is a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3.
[0006] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
[0007] In some embodiments, at least one fixed dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in an amount between 1 mg and 50 mg. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle. In some embodiments, each treatment cycle is a 28-day cycle. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises a first treatment cycle (Cl) that is an escalating dosing regimen comprising one or more starting dose and one or more maintenance dose, wherein the maintenance dose is greater than the starting dose. In some embodiments, Cl further comprises one or more intermediate dose, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose and less than the maintenance dose.
[0008] Provided herein is a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 in a dosing regimen that is initiated after the CAR-T cell administration; wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day treatment cycle, and wherein the first treatment cycle (Cl) is an escalating dosing regimen comprising: (i) a starting phase, wherein one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject; (ii) an intermediate phase, wherein one or more intermediate doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose; and (iii) a maintenance phase, wherein one or more maintenance doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject, wherein each maintenance dose is greater than the intermediate dose.
[0009] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody. In some embodiments, the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is 28 days to 6 months after administering the CAR-T cell therapy to the subject. In some embodiments, the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is no earlier than 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy. In some embodiments, the initiation of administration of the bispecific is at or about 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
[0010] In some embodiments, the starting phase comprises a single starting dose. In some embodiments, the starting dose is about 1.0 mg to 6 mg. In some embodiments, the starting dose is about 3 mg. In some embodiments, the intermediate phase comprises a single intermediate dose. In some embodiments, the intermediate dose is about 4.5 mg to 10 mg. In some embodiments, the intermediate dose is about 6.0 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is from about 6 mg to about 50 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is a about 25.0 mg to 35.0 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is about 30 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is a about 6 mg to 18 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose is about 10 mg.
[0011] In some embodiments, the one or more starting dose is administered in the first week of Cl. In some embodiments, a single starting dose is administered on Day 1 (DI) of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the first week of Cl. In some embodiments, a single intermediate dose is administered on one of Days 3-6 of Cl. In some embodiments, the single intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 (D4) of Cl. In some embodiments, in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered once weekly after the first week. In some embodiments, in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 (D8), Day 15 (D15) and Day 22 (D22). In some embodiments, in Cl the bispecific antibody is administered at about 3 mg on Day 1, about 6 mg on Day 4, and about 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
[0012] In some embodiments, in Cl the bispecific antibody is administered at about 3 mg on Day 1, about 6 mg on Day 4, and about 10 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen further comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing (Q1W) of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 2-4 once weekly treatment cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3), wherein each of C2 and C3 are characterized by once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1, 8, 15 and 22. In some embodiments, C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22. In some embodiments, C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
[0013] In some embodiments, after the once monthly treatment cycles, the dosing regimen comprises one or more additional treatment cycles characterized by reduced frequency administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise every other week dosing (Q2W), once monthly dosing (Q4W) or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise one or more treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 2-6 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 2-4 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 3 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a fourth treatment cycle (C4), a fifth treatment cycle (C5), and a sixth treatment cycle (C6, wherein each of C4, C5 and C6 are characterized by every other week (Q2W) dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0014] In some embodiments, the Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15, C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15 and C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15, C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15 and C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, the one or more additional treatment cycles further comprise one or more Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose after the one or more Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 4-10 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0015] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 5-8 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 6 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a seventh treatment cycle (C7), an eighth treatment cycle (C8), a ninth treatment cycle (C9), a tenth treatment cycle (CIO), an eleventh treatment cycle (Cl 1) and a twelfth treatment cycle (C12), wherein each of C7, C8, C9, CIO, Cl 1 and C12 are characterized by once monthly (Q4W) dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Day 1 of each cycle. In some embodiments, the subjects are administered the bispecific antibody for a maximum of 12 treatment cycles.
[0016] Also provided herein is a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the CAR T cell administration and is characterized by 12 treatment cycles that are each 28 days; wherein: (i) the first treatment cycle of the bispecific antibody administration comprises administration of 3 mg on Day 1, 6 mg on Day 4, and 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22; (ii) the second and third treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22; (iii) the fourth , fifth, and sixth treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1 and 15; (iv) the 7-12 treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Day 1.
[0017] Also provided herein is a method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the CAR T cell administration and is characterized by 12 treatment cycles that are each 28 days, wherein: (i) the first treatment cycle of the bispecific antibody comprises administration of 3 mg on Day 1, 6 mg on Day 4, and 10 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22; (ii) the second and third treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, 22; (iii) the fourth, fifth, and sixth treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 10 mg on Days 1 and 15; (iv) the 7-12 treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 10 mg on Day 1.
[0018] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered subcutaneously. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a trivalent bispecific antibody comprising two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody, one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and one Fc portion. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is in the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA Fab comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218; (d) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 211, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (e) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (f) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; or (g) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 214, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215.
[0019] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA Fab comprises: (a) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively; (d) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; (e) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; (f) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; or (g) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
[0020] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA Fab comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA Fab comprises a a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively. [0021] In some embodiments, the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243. In some embodiments, he anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 244, 245, and 246, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 247, 248, and 249, respectively.
[0022] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253.
[0023] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab.
[0024] In some embodiments, the CAR comprises (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), (2) an immunoglobulin hinge spacer of at least 125 amino acids in length; (3) a transmembrane domain; and (4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and a costimulatory signaling region; wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:2; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 116; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOG or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:4; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 117; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:6; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 118; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:8; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119;the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:9; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 10; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 9; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 120; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 12; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 121; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14; or the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 122.
[0025] In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the Vuregion comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:50, 51 and 47, respectively, and the Vuregion comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:55, 56 and 57, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the Vuregion comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:80, 81 and 77, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:85, 86 and 87, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:80, 94 and 91, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:97, 98 and 99, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 107, 108 and 104, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26, 113, respectively; or the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 109, 110 and 111, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 114, 29 and 123, respectively.
[0026] In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region wherein: the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 118, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 119, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 120, respective; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121, respectively; or the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14 or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 122, respectively.
[0027] In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively; or the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 80, 94 and 91, respectively, and the Vrregion comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:97, 98 and 99, respectively.
[0028] In some embodiments, the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 119, respectively; or the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l l and 12, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121, respectively.
[0029] In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:119. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively. In some embodiments, the single chain antibody fragment is or comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv).
[0030] In some embodiments, the VH region and the VL region are joined by a flexible linker. In some embodiments, the linker comprises the amino acid sequence GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 127) In some embodiments, the VH region is carboxyterminal to the VL region. In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141. In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
[0031] In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a sequence of a hinge region, a CH2 and CH3 region. In some embodiments the spacer comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge region or a modified IgG4 hinge region comprising at least one amino acid replacement compared to a human IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region. In some embodiments, the spacer is or comprises (i) the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162; (ii) a functional variant of SEQ ID NO: 162 that has at least at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162; or (iii) a contiguous portion of (i) or (ii) that is at least 125 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
[0032] In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3^ comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176. In some embodiments, the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of CD28, 4- IBB, or ICOS, or a signaling portion thereof. In some embodiments, the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of 4-1BB. In some embodiments, the costimulatory signaling region is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain from CD4, CD28, or CD8. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain derived from CD28.
[0033] In some embodiments the CAR comprises: (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises: (i) a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and (ii) a variable light chain (VL) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119; (2) a spacer comprising an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region, optionally that is about 228 amino acids in length; (3) a transmembrane domain from human CD28; and (4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4- IBB.
[0034] In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119. In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 173.
[0035] In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling region comprises (a) a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176 and (b) and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4- IBB comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling region is or comprises the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 and SEQ ID NO: 179.
[0036] In some embodiments, the chimeric antigen receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 183. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigen receptor is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182 or a nucleic acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:182.
[0037] In some embodiments, the dose of engineered cells comprises between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 2.5 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.25 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 4.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, or between about 1.5 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells and 3.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, each inclusive.
[0038] In some embodiments, the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 1.5 x 107, at or about 2.5 x 107, at or about 5.0 x 107, at or about 7.5 x 107, at or about 1.5 x 108, at or about 2.25 x 108, at or about 3.0 x 108, at or about 4.5 x 108, at or about 6.0 x 108, at or about 8.0 x 108, or at or about 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 7.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells.
[0039] In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to administration of the CAR-T cell therapy. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of the CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the administration of the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 2 to 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of engineered T cells. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and/or cyclophosphamide. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
[0040] In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of cyclophosphamide at or about 200-400 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 300 mg/m2 daily. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine at or about 20-40 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 30 mg/m2 daily. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for 2-4 days, optionally for 3 days. [0041] In some embodiments, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of bendamustine. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine at or about 50-130 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 90 mg/m2 daily. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine for 1-3 days, optionally for 2 days.
[0042] In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering a bridging therapy to the subject after leukapheresis and prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy.
[0043] In some embodiments, the subject has received one or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1, but no more than 3, prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 3 prior therapies. In some embodiments, the prior therapies are an proteasome inhibitor, an immumodulatory agent, an anti-CD38 antibody, a prior therapy that included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), or a combination of any of the foregoing.
[0044] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody in combination with the CAR-T cell therapy is such that the subject does not develop a toxicity characterized by one or more of: (i) Any Grade 4 CRS and Grade CRS that does not resolve to Grade < 2 within 72 hours; (ii) any duration Grade 3 ICANS or neurotoxicity (NT); (iii) a higher than Grade 3 toxicity involving vital organs (eg, cardiac, pulmonary) of any duration; (iv) all other Grade 3 toxicities not attributable to underlying disease or lymphodepleting chemotherapy that do not resolve to < Grade 2 within 72 hours, other than a non-CRS toxicity of the liver in which liver amino transferase levels > 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) are accompanied by an elevation of total bilirubin to >2 x ULN without initial findings of cholestasis (e.g., elevated serum alkaline phosphatase) for which no other reason can be found to explain the combination of increased amino transferase to total bilirubin, such as viral hepatitis A, B, or C; pre-existing or acute liver disease; or another drug capable of causing the observed liver injury; (v) Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase lasting < 14 days or Grade 4 AST and/or ALT increase lasting < 7 days; (vi) certain treatment-emergent, isolated Grade 3 or 4, asymptomatic laboratory electrolyte abnormalities not directly related to vital organ toxicities that resolve, with or without intervention, to Grade < 2 in < 7 days; (vii) Grade 4 thrombocytopenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days or accompanied by clinically significant bleeding or Grade 3 thrombocytopenia with clinically significant bleeding; (viii) Grade 4 neutropenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days despite the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF); (ix) any Grade 5 toxicity not related to disease progression; (x) any macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH); or (xi) any Grade > 3 thrombotic event.
[0045] In some embodiments, the subject does not develop a severe toxicity.
[0046] In some of any of the provided embodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the subject is an adult human subject. In some embodiments, the subject is 18 years of age and older.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0047] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary treatment regimen comprising anti-GPRC5D CAR T cell therapy and alnuctamab administration.
Detailed Description
[0048] Among the provided embodiments are combination therapies involving administration of a T cell therapy (e.g., CAR-expressing T cells), and administration of a combination agent (e.g. a bispecfic antibody, such as a BCMA-directed T cell engager). Provided herein are combination therapies for treating a subject having a cancer involving administration of a T cell therapy (e.g. CAR-T cells) and an additional agent (e.g. bispecific antibody; e.g. a BCMA-directed T cell engager) for treating subjects with cancers or tumors such as multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein are based on administration of a GPRC5D directed CAR T cell therapy in which the CAR contains a GPRC5D-directed scFv antigen binding domain in combination with a combination agent including a bispecific antibody, such as a BCMA-directed T cell engager. Thus, in some embodiments, the methods and uses include administering to a subject T cells expressing genetically engineered (recombinant) cell surface receptors in adoptive cell therapy, which generally are chimeric receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) recognizing an antigen expressed by, associated with and/or specific to the cell type from which it is derived, in combination with a bispecfic antibody, such as a a BCMA-directed T cell engager.
[0049] In some embodiments, the BCMA-directed T cell engager binds to BCMA and CD3.
[0050] Also provided herein are methods of treating relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In some embodiments, the method comprises the administration of a CAR- T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) to a subject followed by the administration of a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy.
[0051] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
[0052] In some embodiments, a combination therapy involving administration of CAR-T cells and a bispecific antibody (e.g. BCMA-directed T cell engager) may yield improved antimyeloma activity through at least 2 mechanisms. In some cases, the improved activity may be synergistic to each individual therapy. First, given that heterogeneity of GPRC5D and BCMA target expression among myeloma cells has been demonstrated in individual patients, combining an anti-GPRC5D and anti-BCMA targeted therapy may yield greater depth of tumor clearance, increase rates of clearance of minimal residual disease (MRD), and potentially greater durability of response. Second, administering a bispecific antibody (e.g. BCMA-directed T cell engager) after CAR-T cell therapy is expected to re-direct endogenous T cells to kill BCMA expressing tumor cells. The bispecific antibody (e.g. BCMA-directed T cell engager) may also engage residual CAR T cells, allowing dual-targeting against BCMA via the bispecific antibody (e.g. BCMA-directed T cell engager) and GPRC5D via the CAR T cell, prolonging combined endogenous T cell and CAR T cell immune surveillance against the tumor.
[0053] Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow resulting in the overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobulin and immunosuppression (Al-Hujaily 2016; Dimopoulos, 2015). Adoptive T cell therapies, such as CAR-T cell therapies, have shown promise for treating multiple myeloma, with clinical efforts primarily focused on targeting the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA). However, although BCMA is expressed on many malignant plasma cells, expression levels, in some cases, can be heterogeneous. In some aspects, heterogeneity in target antigen expression can lead to variable or inconsistent response. In some aspects, it also has been observed that expression of BCMA on the cell surface varies over time due to gamma secretase-mediated shedding of the extracellular domain. Similar to observations with CD19 and CD22 CAR antigens, it has been reported that BCMA antigen down-regulation occurs in multiple myeloma (MM) patients who relapsed after BCMA-targeted T cell therapy (Brudno et al. (2018) J. Clin. Oncol., JCO2018778084,; Cohen et al. (2017) Blood 130:505). Also, in some contexts, recombinant receptors can exhibit antigen-independent activity or signaling (also known as “tonic signaling”), which could lead to undesirable effects, such as due to increased differentiation and/or exhaustion of T cells that express the recombinant receptor. In some aspects, such activities may limit the T cell’s activity, effect or potency. In some cases, during engineering and ex vivo expansion of the cells for recombinant receptor expression, the cells may exhibit phenotypes indicative of exhaustion, due to tonic signaling through the recombinant receptor. In some cases, alternative or additional MM-targeted T cell therapy approaches are needed.
[0054] The provided embodiments relate to GPRC5D as a CAR T cell target for multiple myeloma. GPRC5D (Uniprot Acc. No. Q9NZD1, e.g. set forth in SEQ ID NO: 207) is a G protein coupled receptor class C, group 5 member D that belongs to the RAIG (retinoic acidinducible gene-1) family. It is a seven transmembrane helix 39kDa G-protein coupled receptor with two reported isoforms, with the isoform differences occurring in the intracellular C terminus of the protein. GPRC5D is expressed at high levels in multiple myeloma and, overall, it is expressed at low levels in most normal tissues.
[0055] In some embodiments, the methods include administration of the combination therapy to a subject selected or identified as having a certain prognosis or risk of multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the methods, uses and articles of manufacture involve, or are used for treatment of subjects involving, selecting or identifying a particular group or subset of subjects, e.g., based on specific types of disease, diagnostic criteria, prior treatments and/or response to prior treatments, such as any group of subjects as described. In some embodiments, the methods involve treating a subject having relapsed following remission after treatment with, or become refractory to, one or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has relapsed or is refractory (R/R) to one or more prior therapies, e.g., one or more lines of standard therapy. In some embodiments, the methods involve treating a subject having relapsed following remission after treatment with, or become refractory to, two or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has relapsed or is refractory (R/R) to two or more prior therapies, e.g., two or more lines of standard therapy. In some embodiments, the methods involve treating a subject having relapsed following remission after treatment with, or become refractory to, three or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has relapsed or is refractory (R/R) to three or more prior therapies, e.g., three or more lines of standard therapy.
[0056] In some aspects, the provided methods, compositions, uses and articles of manufacture achieve improved and superior responses to available therapies, including a T cell therapy alone or a combination agent (e.g. a bispecfic antibody) alone. In some embodiments, the improved or superior responses are compared to current standard of care (SOC).
[0057] Also provided are combinations and articles of manufacture, such as kits, that contain a composition comprising the T cell therapy and/or a composition comprising the combination agent (e.g. a bispecfic antibody), and uses of such compositions and combinations to treat or prevent a cancer (e.g. multiple myeloma). In some embodiments, the cancer is a GPRC5D- expressing cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is a BCMA-expressing cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is associated with expression of both GPRC5D and BCMA.
[0058] All publications, including patent documents, scientific articles and databases, referred to in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication were individually incorporated by reference. If a definition set forth herein is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth herein prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.
[0059] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
I. Combination Therapy
[0060] Provided herein are methods of combination therapy that include administration and uses, such as therapeutic and prophylactic uses, of the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors (e.g., CARs) and/or compositions comprising the same, in combination with a combination agent. In some embodiments, the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors is an anti-GPRC5D CAR that is administered to the subject in combination with the combination agent. In some embodiments, the combination agent is a bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager. In some embodiments, the BCMA- directed T cell engager binds to BCMA and CD3.
[0061] Also provided herein are methods of treating relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In some embodiments, the method comprises the administration combination therapy, wherein the combination therapy comprises CAR-T cell therapy and a bispecific antibody (e.g. BCMA-directed T cell engager). In some embodiments, the method comprises administration of a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a CAR that specifically binds human GPRC5D to a subject followed by the administration of a bispecific antibody that binds to BCMA and CD3. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
[0062] In some embodiments, the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptor (e.g., CAR) and/or engineered cells expressing said molecules (e.g., recombinant receptor) described herein are administered as part of a combination treatment or combination therapy, such as simultaneously with, sequentially with, or intermittently with, in any order, one or more additional therapeutic intervention involving administration of the BCMA-directed T cell engager. Also provided are methods of combination treatment or combination therapy that includes GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors (e.g., CARs), cells and/or compositions described herein and one or more additional therapeutic intervention involving administration of the BCMA-directed T cell engager.
[0063] Among the provided embodiments are methods of administering and uses of a combination comprising GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody. Such methods and uses include therapeutic methods and uses, for example, involving administration of the combination to a subject having a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D such as a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D expression, and/or in which cells or tissues express, e.g., specifically express, GPRC5D. In some embodiments, the combination is administered in an effective amount to effect treatment of the disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the methods are carried out by administering the combination to the subject having, having had, or suspected of having the disease or condition. In some embodiments, the methods thereby treat the disease or condition or disorder in the subject. Also provided herein are use of the combination for the treatment of a disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D, such as use in a treatment regimen.
[0064] Also provided herein are uses of the anti-GPRC5D CAR cell therapy (e.g., T cell therapy) and the bispecific antibody as a combination therapy in such methods and treatments of a subject having a disease or disorder, and in the preparation of a medicament in order to carry out such therapeutic methods. Also provided herein are uses of the anti-GPRC5D CAR cell therapy (e.g., T cell therapy) for use in combination with the bispecific antibody in such methods and treatment of a subject having a disease or disorder, and in the preparation of a medicament in order to carry out such therapeutic methods in combination with the bispecific antibody. Also provided herein are uses of the bispecific antibody for use in combination with the anti-GPRC5D CAR cell therapy (e.g., T cell therapy) in such methods and treatment of a subject having a disease or disorder, and in the preparation of a medicament in order to carry out such therapeutic methods in combination with the anti-GPRC5D CAR cell therapy (e.g., T cell therapy).
[0065] As used herein, “treatment” (and grammatical variations thereof such as “treat” or “treating”) refers to complete or partial amelioration or reduction of a disease or condition or disorder, or a symptom, adverse event, effect, or outcome, or phenotype associated therewith. Desirable effects of treatment include, but are not limited to, preventing occurrence or recurrence of disease, alleviation of symptoms, diminishment of any direct or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, preventing metastasis, decreasing the rate of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, and remission or improved prognosis. The terms do not imply complete curing of a disease or complete elimination of any symptom or effect(s) on all symptoms or outcomes.
[0066] As used herein, “adverse event” refers to any new untoward medical occurrence or worsening of a pre-existing medical condition occurring in a clinical investigation participant after signing of informed consent, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. An adverse event can therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign (such as an abnormal laboratory test result), symptom, or disease temporally associated with the study intervention.
[0067] As used herein, “delaying development of a disease” means to defer, hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, suppress and/or postpone development of the disease (such as cancer). This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on the history of the disease and/or subject being treated. As sufficient or significant delay can, in effect, encompass prevention, in that the subject does not develop the disease. For example, a late stage cancer, such as development of metastasis, may be delayed.
[0068] “Preventing,” as used herein, includes providing prophylaxis with respect to the occurrence or recurrence of a disease in a subject that may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed with the disease. In some embodiments, the provided molecules and compositions are used to delay development of a disease or to slow the progression of a disease.
[0069] As used herein, to “suppress” a function or activity is to reduce the function or activity when compared to otherwise same conditions except for a condition or parameter of interest, or alternatively, as compared to another condition. For example, an antibody or composition or cell which suppresses tumor growth reduces the rate of growth of the tumor compared to the rate of growth of the tumor in the absence of the antibody or composition or cell.
[0070] The term “pharmaceutical formulation” refers to a preparation which is in such form as to permit the biological activity of an active ingredient contained therein to be effective, and which contains no additional components which are unacceptably toxic to a subject to which the formulation would be administered.
[0071] A “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to an ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation, other than an active ingredient, which is nontoxic to a subject. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes, but is not limited to, a buffer, excipient, stabilizer, or preservative.
[0072] An “effective amount” of an agent, e.g., a pharmaceutical formulation, binding molecule, antibody, cells, or composition, in the context of administration, refers to an amount effective, at dosages/amounts and for periods of time necessary, to achieve a desired result, such as a therapeutic or prophylactic result.
[0073] A “therapeutically effective amount” of an agent, e.g., a pharmaceutical formulation, binding molecule, antibody, cells, or composition refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve a desired therapeutic result, such as for treatment of a disease, condition, or disorder, and/or pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic effect of the treatment. The therapeutically effective amount may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the subject, and the populations of cells administered. In some embodiments, the provided methods involve administering the molecules, antibodies, cells, and/or compositions at effective amounts, e.g., therapeutically effective amounts.
[0074] A “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically, but not necessarily, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the prophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeutically effective amount.
[0075] As used herein, a “subject” or an “individual” is a mammal. In some embodiments, a “mammal” includes humans, non-human primates, domestic and farm animals, and zoo, sports, or pet animals, such as dogs, horses, rabbits, cattle, pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets, rats, cats, monkeys, etc. In some embodiments, the subject is human.
[0076] Among the diseases to be treated is any disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D or any disease or disorder in which GPRC5D is specifically expressed and/or in which GPRC5D has been targeted for treatment (also referred to herein interchangeably as a “GPRC5D- associated disease or disorder”). Cancers associated with GPRC5D expression include hematologic malignancies such as myeloma, e.g., multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is a B cell-related disorder or malignancy. In some embodiments the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’ s Macroglobulinemia. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is multiple myeloma. Among the provided embodiments are cells, populations, combinations, and compositions for administration to a subject having a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), e.g., via adoptive cell therapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy.
[0077] In some embodiments, the methods may identify a subject who has, is suspected to have, or is at risk for developing a GPRC5D-associated disease or disorder. Hence, provided are methods for identifying subjects with diseases or disorders associated with GPRC5D expression and selecting them for treatment with a provided combination of GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody.
[0078] For example, a subject may be screened for the presence of a disease or disorder associated with elevated GPRC5D expression, such as a GPRC5D-expressing cancer. In some embodiments, the methods include screening for or detecting the presence of a GPRC5D- associated disease, e.g., a tumor. Thus, in some aspects, a sample may be obtained from a patient suspected of having a disease or disorder associated with elevated GPRC5D expression and assayed for the expression level of GPRC5D. In some aspects, a subject who tests positive for a GPRC5D-associated disease or disorder may be selected for treatment by the present methods, and may be administered a therapeutically effective amount of a combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody.
[0079] In some embodiments, the subject has a history of relap sed/refractory multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the subject has persistent or relapsed disease, e.g., following treatment with a BCMA-specific antibody and/or cells expressing a BCMA-targeting chimeric receptor and/or other therapy, including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT or or autologous HSCT. In some embodiments, the administration effectively treats the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another GPRC5D-targeted therapy. In some embodiments, the subject has not relapsed but is determined to be at risk for relapse, such as at a high risk of relapse, and thus the compound or composition is administered prophylactically, e.g., to reduce the likelihood of or prevent relapse.
[0080] In some embodiments, the subject is one that is eligible for a transplant, such as is eligible for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT or autologous HSCT. In some of such embodiments, the subject has not previously received a transplant, despite being eligible, prior to administration of the combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody.
[0081] In some embodiments, the subject is one that is not eligible for a transplant, such as is not eligible for a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT or or autologous HSCT. In some of such embodiments, such a subject is administered a combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody according to the provided embodiments herein.
[0082] In some embodiments, prior to the initiation of administration of the combination comprising a GPRC5D-targeted cell therapy and a bispecific antibody, the subject has received one or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 3 prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 2 prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least 1 prior therapy. In some embodiments, the subject has received at least one, but not more than three, prior therapies. In some embodiments, the prior therapies include, but are not limited to, an immunomodulatory agent (e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide), a proteasome inhibitor (e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixaxomib), dexamethasone, an anti-CD38 antibody, and an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In some embodiments, induction with or without HSCT and with or without maintenance therapy is considered 1 regimen. In some embodiments, the prior therapy comprises a prior therapy targeting BCMA and/or GPRC5D.
[0083] In some aspects, the subject has relapsed following, or has been refractory to, one or more of, for example, each, individually, of the one or more prior therapies. In some embodiments, the subject has undergone at least 2 consecutive cycles of treatment for each regimen unless progressive disease was the best response to the regimen.
[0084] In some embodiments, the subject has undergone at least one complete cycle of treatment unless progressive disease was the best response to the treatment regimen. In some embodiments, the subject has been treated with at least one, but not greater than three prior antimyeloma treatment regimens, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent.
[0085] In some embodiments, the methods described herein may be used in the treatment of diseases, conditions, and disorders in which GPRC5D is expressed. In some embodiments, the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is a B cell-related disorder or malignancy. In some embodiments the disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D is multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom’ s Macroglobulinemia. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the subject to be treated using the described method has a diagnosis of multiple myeloma with relapsed and/or refractory disease.
[0086] In some embodiments, the method can involve including or excluding particular subjects for therapy with the provided anti-GPRC5D antibodies, recombinant receptors and/or cells comprising such receptors, based on particular criteria, diagnosis or indication. In some embodiments, at the time of administration of the combination, the subject has not had active or history of plasma cell leukemia (PCL).
[0087] In some embodiments, the treatment does not induce an immune response by the subject to the therapy, and/or does not induce such a response to a degree that prevents effective treatment of the disease or condition. In some aspects, the degree of immunogenicity and/or graft versus host response is less than that observed with a different but comparable treatment.
[0088] In some embodiments, the disease or disorder to be treated is multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, measurable disease criteria for multiple myeloma can include (1) serum M- protein 1 g/dL or greater; (2) Urine M-protein 200 mg or greater/24 hour; (3) involved serum free light chain (sFLC) level 10 mg/dL or greater, with abnormal K to A ratio. In some cases, light chain disease is acceptable only for subjects without measurable disease in the serum or urine.
[0089] In some embodiments, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status indicator can be used to assess or select subjects for treatment, e.g., subjects who have had poor performance from prior therapies (see, e.g., Oken et al. (1982) Am J Clin Oncol. 5:649-655). The ECOG Scale of Performance Status describes a patient’s level of functioning in terms of their ability to care for themselves, daily activity, and physical ability (e.g., walking, working, etc.). In some embodiments, an ECOG performance status of 0 indicates that a subject can perform normal activity. In some aspects, subjects with an ECOG performance status of 1 exhibit some restriction in physical activity but the subject is fully ambulatory. In some aspects, patients with an ECOG performance status of 2 is more than 50% ambulatory. In some cases, the subject with an ECOG performance status of 2 may also be capable of selfcare; see e.g., Sprensen et al., (1993) Br J Cancer 67(4) 773-775. In some embodiments, the subject that are to be administered according to the methods or treatment regimen provided herein include those with an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. [0090] In some embodiments, the administration can treat the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another therapy.
[0091] In some embodiments, when administered to subjects according to the embodiments described herein, the combination is capable of achieving objective response (OR), in at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of subjects that were administered. In some embodiments, OR includes subjects who achieve stringent complete response (sCR), complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR), partial response (PR) and minimal response (MR). In some embodiments, when administered to subjects according to the embodiments described herein, the combination is capable of achieving stringent complete response (sCR), complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR) or partial response (PR), in at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 85% of subjects that were administered. In some embodiments, when administered to subjects according to the embodiments described herein, combination is capable of achieving stringent complete response (sCR) or complete response (CR) in at least 20%, 30%, 40% 50%, 60% or 70% of subjects that were administered.
[0092] In some embodiments, treatment according to the provided methods can result in a lower rate and/or lower degree of toxicity, toxic outcome or symptom, toxicity-promoting profile, factor, or property, such as a symptom or outcome associated with or indicative of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity, such as severe CRS or severe neurotoxicity, for example, compared to administration of other therapies.
A. GPRC5D-Targeted Cell Therapy
[0093] Provided in some aspects are GPRC5D-binding agents, such as recombinant receptors or chimeric antigen receptors that bind GPRC5D molecules and polynucleotides encoding GPRC5D binding cell surface proteins, such as recombinant receptors (e.g., CARs), and cells expressing such receptors. The GPRC5D-binding cell surface proteins generally contain antibodies (e.g., antigen-binding antibody fragments), and/or other binding peptides that specifically bind to GPRC5D, such as GPRC5D proteins, such as human GPRC5D protein. In some aspects, the agents bind to an extracellular portion of GPRC5D.
[0094] Among the provided polynucleotides are those that encode recombinant receptors, such as antigen receptors, that specifically bind GPRC5D. In some aspects, the encoded receptors, such as those containing GPRC5D-binding polypeptides, and compositions and articles of manufacture and uses of the same, also are provided. [0095] Among the GPRC5D-binding polypeptides are antibodies, such as single-chain antibodies (e.g., antigen binding antibody fragments), or portions thereof. In some examples, the recombinant receptors are chimeric antigen receptors, such as those containing anti- GPRC5D antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The provided polynucleotides can be incorporated into constructs, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or RNA constructs, such as those that can be introduced into cells for expression of the encoded recombinant GPRC5D- binding receptors.
1. GPRC5D Chimeric Antigen Receptors
[0096] The provided GPRC5D-binding receptors generally contain an extracellular binding molecule and an intracellular signaling domain. Among the provided receptors are polypeptides containing antibodies, such as recombinant cell surface receptors containing anti-GPRC5D antibodies. Such receptors include chimeric antigen receptors that contain such antibodies.
[0097] Among the provided recombinant receptors are antigen receptors that include a GPRC5D-binding fragment. The recombinant receptors include antigen receptors that specifically bind to GPRC5D, such as antigen receptors containing the anti-GPRC5D antibodies, e.g., GPRC5D antigen-binding fragments. Among the antigen receptors are functional non-TCR antigen receptors, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Also provided are cells expressing the recombinant receptors and uses thereof in adoptive cell therapy, such as treatment of diseases and disorders associated with GPRC5D expression, e.g., multiple myeloma.
[0098] In some embodiments, the CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain that specifically binds to GPRC5D, a spacer sequence between the extracellular antigen binding domain and a transmembrane domain, the transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and a costimulatory signaling region. In some embodiments, the spacer sequence is a hinge domaincontaining sequence. In some embodiments, the spacer sequence is an immunoglobulin hinge spacer of at least 125 amino acids in length. a. Extracellular antigen-binding domain
[0099] Among the chimeric receptors are chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The chimeric receptors, such as CARs, generally include an extracellular antigen binding domain that includes, is, or comprises an anti-GPRC5D antibody such as an antibody fragment. Thus, the chimeric receptors, e.g., CARs, typically include in their extracellular portions one or more GPRC5D-binding molecules, such as one or more antigen-binding fragment, domain, or portion, or one or more antibody variable regions, and/or antibody molecules, such as those described herein.
[0100] The term “antibody” herein is used in the broadest sense and includes polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, including intact antibodies and functional (antigen-binding) antibody fragments, including fragment antigen binding (Fab) fragments, F(ab’)2 fragments, Fab’ fragments, Fv fragments, recombinant IgG (rlgG) fragments, heavy chain variable (VH) regions capable of specifically binding the antigen, single chain antibody fragments, including single chain variable fragments (scFv), and single domain antibodies (e.g., sdAb, sdFv, nanobody) fragments. The term encompasses genetically engineered and/or otherwise modified forms of immunoglobulins, such as intrabodies, peptibodies, chimeric antibodies, fully human antibodies, humanized antibodies, and heteroconjugate antibodies, multispecific, e.g., bispecific or trispecific, antibodies, diabodies, triabodies, and tetrabodies, tandem di-scFv, tandem tri-scFv. Unless otherwise stated, the term “antibody” should be understood to encompass functional antibody fragments thereof also referred to herein as “antigen-binding fragments.” The term also encompasses intact or full-length antibodies, including antibodies of any class or sub-class, including IgG and sub-classes thereof, IgM, IgE, IgA, and IgD.
[0101] The terms “complementarity determining region,” and “CDR,” synonymous with “hypervariable region” or “HVR,” are known in the art to refer to non-contiguous sequences of amino acids within antibody variable regions, which confer antigen specificity and/or binding affinity. In general, there are three CDRs in each heavy chain variable region (CDR-H1, CDR- H2, CDR-H3) and three CDRs in each light chain variable region (CDR-L1, CDR-L2, CDR- L3). “Framework regions” and “FR” are known in the art to refer to the non-CDR portions of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains. In general, there are four FRs in each full- length heavy chain variable region (FR-H1, FR-H2, FR-H3, and FR-H4), and four FRs in each full-length light chain variable region (FR-L1, FR-L2, FR-L3, and FR-L4).
[0102] The precise amino acid sequence boundaries of a given CDR or FR can be readily determined using any of a number of well-known schemes, including those described by Kabat et al. (1991), “Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest,” 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (“Kabat” numbering scheme); Al-Lazikani et al., (1997) JMB 273,927-948 (“Chothia” numbering scheme); MacCallum et al., J. Mol. Biol. 262:732-745 (1996), “Antibody-antigen interactions: Contact analysis and binding site topography,” J. Mol. Biol. 262, 732-745.” (“Contact” numbering scheme); Lefranc MP et al., “IMGT unique numbering for immunoglobulin and T cell receptor variable domains and Ig superfamily V-like domains,” Dev Comp Immunol, 2003 Jan;27(l):55-77 (“IMGT” numbering scheme); Honegger A and Pliickthun A, “Yet another numbering scheme for immunoglobulin variable domains: an automatic modeling and analysis tool,” J Mol Biol, 2001 Jun 8;309(3):657- 70, (“Aho” numbering scheme); and Martin et al., “Modeling antibody hypervariable loops: a combined algorithm,” PNAS, 1989, 86(23):9268-9272, (“AbM” numbering scheme).
[0103] The boundaries of a given CDR or FR may vary depending on the scheme used for identification. For example, the Kabat scheme is based on structural alignments, while the Chothia scheme is based on structural information. Numbering for both the Kabat and Chothia schemes is based upon the most common antibody region sequence lengths, with insertions accommodated by insertion letters, for example, “30a,” and deletions appearing in some antibodies. The two schemes place certain insertions and deletions (“indels”) at different positions, resulting in differential numbering. The Contact scheme is based on analysis of complex crystal structures and is similar in many respects to the Chothia numbering scheme. The AbM scheme is a compromise between Kabat and Chothia definitions based on that used by Oxford Molecular’s AbM antibody modeling software.
[0104] Table 1, below, lists exemplary position boundaries of CDR-L1, CDR-L2, CDR-L3 and CDR-H1, CDR-H2, CDR-H3 as identified by Kabat, Chothia, AbM, and Contact schemes, respectively. For CDR-H1, residue numbering is listed using both the Kabat and Chothia numbering schemes. FRs are located between CDRs, for example, with FR-L1 located before CDR-L1, FR-L2 located between CDR-L1 and CDR-L2, FR-L3 located between CDR-L2 and CDR-L3 and so forth. It is noted that because the shown Kabat numbering scheme places insertions at H35A and H35B, the end of the Chothia CDR-H1 loop when numbered using the shown Kabat numbering convention varies between H32 and H34, depending on the length of the loop.
Figure imgf000033_0001
Figure imgf000034_0001
1 - Kabat et al. (1991), “Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest,” 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
2 - Al-Lazikani et al., (1997) JMB 273,927-948
[0105] Thus, unless otherwise specified, a “CDR” or “complementary determining region,” or individual specified CDRs (e.g., CDR-H1, CDR-H2, CDR-H3), of a given antibody or region thereof, such as a variable region thereof, should be understood to encompass a (or the specific) complementary determining region as defined by any of the aforementioned schemes or other known schemes. For example, where it is stated that a particular CDR e.g., a CDR-H3) contains the amino acid sequence of a corresponding CDR in a given VH or VL region amino acid sequence, it is understood that such a CDR has a sequence of the corresponding CDR e.g., CDR-H3) within the variable region, as defined by any of the aforementioned schemes or other known schemes. In some embodiments, specific CDR sequences are specified. Exemplary CDR sequences of provided antibodies are described using various numbering schemes, although it is understood that a provided antibody can include CDRs as described according to any of the other aforementioned numbering schemes or other numbering schemes known to a skilled artisan.
[0106] Likewise, unless otherwise specified, a FR or individual specified FR(s) (e.g., FR- Hl, FR-H2, FR-H3, FR-H4), of a given antibody or region thereof, such as a variable region thereof, should be understood to encompass a (or the specific) framework region as defined by any of the known schemes. In some instances, the scheme for identification of a particular CDR, FR, or FRs or CDRs is specified, such as the CDR as defined by the Kabat, Chothia, AbM or Contact method or other known schemes. In other cases, the particular amino acid sequence of a CDR or FR is given.
[0107] The term “variable region” or “variable domain” refers to the domain of an antibody heavy or light chain that is involved in binding the antibody to antigen. The variable regions of the heavy chain and light chain (VH and VL, respectively) of a native antibody generally have similar structures, with each domain comprising four conserved framework regions (FRs) and three CDRs. (See, e.g., Kindt et al. Kuby Immunology, 6th ed., W.H. Freeman and Co., page 91 (2007). A single VH or VL domain may be sufficient to confer antigen-binding specificity. Furthermore, antibodies that bind a particular antigen may be isolated using a VH or VL domain from an antibody that binds the antigen to screen a library of complementary VH or VL domains, respectively (see, e.g., Portolano et al., J. Immunol. 150:880-887 (1993); Clarkson et al., Nature 352:624-628 (1991)).
[0108] Among the antibodies included in the provided CARs are antibody fragments. An “antibody fragment” or “antigen-binding fragment” refers to a molecule other than an intact antibody that comprises a portion of an intact antibody that binds the antigen to which the intact antibody binds. Examples of antibody fragments include but are not limited to Fv, Fab, Fab', Fab'-SH, F(ab')2; diabodies; linear antibodies; heavy chain variable (VH) regions, single-chain antibody molecules such as scFvs and single-domain antibodies comprising only the VH region; and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain in the provided CARs is or comprises an antibody fragment comprising a variable heavy chain (VH) and a variable light chain (VL) region. In particular embodiments, the antibodies are single-chain antibody fragments comprising a heavy chain variable (VH) region and/or a light chain variable (VL) region, such as scFvs.
[0109] Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are antibody fragments comprising all or a portion of the heavy chain variable region or all or a portion of the light chain variable region of an antibody. In certain embodiments, a single-domain antibody is a human single-domain antibody.
[0110] Antibody fragments can be made by various techniques, including but not limited to proteolytic digestion of an intact antibody as well as production by recombinant host cells. In some embodiments, the antibodies are recombinantly-produced fragments, such as fragments comprising arrangements that do not occur naturally, such as those with two or more antibody regions or chains joined by synthetic linkers, e.g., peptide linkers, and/or that are may not be produced by enzyme digestion of a naturally-occurring intact antibody. In some aspects, the antibody fragments are scFvs.
[0111] A “humanized” antibody is an antibody in which all or substantially all CDR amino acid residues are derived from non-human CDRs and all or substantially all FR amino acid residues are derived from human FRs. A humanized antibody optionally may include at least a portion of an antibody constant region derived from a human antibody. A “humanized form” of a non-human antibody, refers to a variant of the non-human antibody that has undergone humanization, typically to reduce immunogenicity to humans, while retaining the specificity and affinity of the parental non-human antibody. In some embodiments, some FR residues in a humanized antibody are substituted with corresponding residues from a non-human antibody e.g., the antibody from which the CDR residues are derived), e.g., to restore or improve antibody specificity or affinity.
[0112] Among the anti-GPRC5D antibodies such as antibody fragments included in the provided CARs are human antibodies. A “human antibody” is an antibody with an amino acid sequence corresponding to that of an antibody produced by a human or a human cell, or nonhuman source that utilizes human antibody repertoires or other human antibody-encoding sequences, including human antibody libraries. The term excludes humanized forms of nonhuman antibodies comprising non-human antigen-binding regions, such as those in which all or substantially all CDRs are non-human. The term includes antigen-binding fragments of human antibodies.
[0113] Among the antibodies included in the provided CARs are those that are monoclonal antibodies, including monoclonal antibody fragments. The term “monoclonal antibody” as used herein refers to an antibody obtained from or within a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical, except for possible variants containing naturally occurring mutations or arising during production of a monoclonal antibody preparation, such variants generally being present in minor amounts. In contrast to polyclonal antibody preparations, which typically include different antibodies directed against different epitopes, each monoclonal antibody of a monoclonal antibody preparation is directed against a single epitope on an antigen. The term is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method. A monoclonal antibody may be made by a variety of techniques, including but not limited to generation from a hybridoma, recombinant DNA methods, phage-display and other antibody display methods.
[0114] In some embodiments, the CAR includes a GPRC5D-binding portion or portions of the antibody molecule, such as a heavy chain variable (VH) region and/or light chain variable (VL) region of the antibody, e.g., an scFv antibody fragment. In some embodiments, the provided GPRC5D-binding CARs contain an antibody, such as an anti-GPRC5D antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that confers the GPRC5D-binding properties of the provided CAR. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding domain can be any anti-GPRC5D antibody described or derived from any anti-GPRC5D antibody described (see, e.g., WO 2016/090312, WO 2016/090329, WO 2018/017786, WO 2019/154890, WO 2021/018925, WO 2018/147245, WO 2023/134718). Any of such anti-GPRC5D antibodies or antigen-binding fragments can be used in the provided CARs. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D CAR contains an antigen-binding domain comprising a variable heavy (VH) and/or a variable light (VL) region derived from an antibody described in WO 2016/090312, WO 2016/090329, WO 2018/017786, WO 2019/154890, WO 2021/018925, WO 2018/147245, or WO 2023/134718.
[0115] In some embodiments, the antibody, e.g., the anti-GPRC5D antibody, or antigenbinding fragment, contains a heavy and/or light chain variable (VH or VL) region sequence as described, or a sufficient antigen-binding portion thereof. In some embodiments, the anti- GPRC5D antibody, e.g., antigen-binding fragment, contains a VH region sequence or sufficient antigen-binding portion thereof that contains a CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and/or CDR-H3 as described. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D antibody, e.g., antigen-binding fragment, contains a VL region sequence or sufficient antigen-binding portion that contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2 and/or CDR-L3 as described. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D antibody, e.g., antigen-binding fragment, contains a VH region sequence that contains a CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and/or CDR-H3 as described and contains a VL region sequence that contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2 and/or CDR-L3 as described. Also among the antibodies are those having sequences at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identical to such a sequence.
[0116] In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment, in the provided CAR, has a VH region of any of the antibodies or antibody binding fragments described in any of WO 2016/090312, WO 2016/090329, WO 2018/017786, WO 2019/154890, WO 2021/018925, WO 2018/147245, and WO 2023/134718.
[0117] In some embodiments, the CAR contains an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that has a heavy chain variable (VH) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VH region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13, or contains a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 present in such a VH sequence.
[0118] In some embodiments, the VH region of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to Kabat numbering. In some embodiments, the VH region of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to Chothia numbering. In some embodiments, the VH region of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR- H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to AbM numbering. [0119] In some embodiments, the CAR contains an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that has a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID Nos: 15, 18, 20, 22, 30, 33, 35, 37, 45, 48, 50, 52, 60, 63, 65, 67, 75, 78, 80, 82, 92, 102, 105, 107, and 109; (b) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID Nos: 16, 19, 21, 23, 31, 34, 36, 38, 46, 49, 51, 53, 61, 64, 66, 68, 76, 79, 81, 83, 90, 93, 94, 95, 103, 106, 108, and 110; and (c) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID Nos: 17, 24, 32, 39, 47, 54, 62, 69, 77, 84, 91, 96, 104, and 111.
[0120] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos: 15, 16 and 17, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19, and 17, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:20, 21 and 17, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:22, 23 and 24, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:30, 31, and 32, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:33, 34 and 32, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:35, 36 and 32, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:37, 38 and 39, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:45, 46 and 47, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:48, 49 and 47, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:50, 51 and 47, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:52, 53 and 54, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:60, 61 and 62, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:63, 64 and 62, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:65, 66 and 62, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:67, 68 and 69, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:75, 76 and 77, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:78, 79 and 77, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:80, 81 and 77, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:82, 83 and 84, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:75, 90 and 91, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:92, 93 and 91, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:80, 94 and 91, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:82, 95 and 96, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 102, 103 and 104, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 105, 106 and 104, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 107, 108 and 104, respectively; or SEQ ID Nos: 109, 110 and 111, respectively.
[0121] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos: 15, 16 and 17, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19 and 17, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:20, 21 and 17, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:22, 23 and 24, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:30, 31 and 32, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:33, 34 and 32, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:35, 36 and 32, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:37, 38 and 39, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:45, 46 and 47, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:48, 49 and 47, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:50, 51 and 47, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:52, 53 and 54, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:60, 61 and 62, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:63, 64 and 62, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:65, 66 and 62, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:67, 68 and 69, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:75, 76 and 77, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:78, 79 and 77, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:80, 81 and 77, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:82, 83 and 84, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:75, 90 and 91, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:92, 93 and 91, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:80, 94 and 91, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:82, 95 and 96, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 102, 103 and 104, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 105, 106 and 104, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 107, 108 and 104, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 109, 110 and 111, respectively.
[0122] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequence of a CDR- Hl, a CDR-H2, and a CDR-H3 contained within the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13.
[0123] In some embodiments of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof provided herein, the VH region comprises any of the CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3 as described and comprises a framework region 1 (FR1), a FR2, a FR3 and/or a FR4 having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity, respectively, to a FR1, a FR2, a FR3 and/or a FR4 contained within the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13.
[0124] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13.
[0125] In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment, in the provided CAR (e.g. an anti-GPRC5D CAR), comprising a VH region further comprises a light chain or a sufficient antigen binding portion thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof contains a VH region and a VL region, or a sufficient antigen-binding portion of a VH and VL region. In such embodiments, a VH region sequence can be any of the above described VH sequence. In some such embodiments, the antibody is an antigen-binding fragment, such as a Fab or an scFv. In some such embodiments, the antibody is a full-length antibody that also contains a constant region.
[0126] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment has a VL region described in any of WO 2016/090312, WO 2016/090329, WO 2018/017786, WO 2019/154890, WO 2021/018925, WO 2018/147245, and WO 2023/134718.
[0127] In some embodiments, the CAR contains an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that has a light chain variable (VL) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VL region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, or contains a CDR-L1, CDR- L2, and/or CDR-L3 present in such a VL sequence. In some embodiments, the CAR contains an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that has a light chain variable (VL) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VL region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14, or contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 present in such a VL sequence. In some embodiments, the CAR contains an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that has a light chain variable (VL) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VL region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, or contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 present in such a VL sequence.
[0128] In some embodiments, the VL region of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to Kabat numbering. In some embodiments, the VL region of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to Chothia numbering. In some embodiments, the VL region of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR- L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to AbM numbering.
[0129] In some embodiments, the CAR contains an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that has a variable light chain (VL) region comprising a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID Nos: 25, 28, 40, 43, 55, 58, 70, 73, 85, 88, 97, 100, 112, and 114; (b) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID Nos: 26, 29, 41, 44, 56, 59, 71, 74, 86, 89, 98, and 101; and (c) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID Nos: 27, 42, 57, 72, 87, 99, 113, and 115.
[0130] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VL region comprising a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos:25, 26 and 27, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:28, 29 and 27, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:40, 41 and 42, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:43, 44 and 42, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:55, 56 and 57, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:58, 59 and 57, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:70, 71 and 72, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:73, 74 and 72, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:85, 86 and 87, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:88, 89 and 87, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:97, 98 and 99, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 100, 101 and 99, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 112, 26 and 113, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 114, 29 and 115, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 114, 29 and 123, respectively.
[0131] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VL region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos:25, 26 and 27, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:28, 29 and 27, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:40, 41 and 42, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:43, 44 and 42, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:55, 56 and 57, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:58, 59 and 57, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:70, 71 and 72, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:73, 74 and 72, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:85, 86 and 87, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:88, 89 and 87, respectively; SEQ ID Nos:97, 98 and 99, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 100, 101 and 99, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 112, 26 and 129, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 114, 29 and 115, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 114, 29 and 123, respectively.
[0132] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively, contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively, contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively, contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122.
[0133] Among the CARs provided herein is a CAR in which the antibody, such as an anti- GPRC5D antibody, or antibody fragment, in the provided CAR, comprises a VH region amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13 and a VL region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122.
[0134] In some embodiments, the VH region of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, a CDR-H2, a CDR-H3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequences of CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 contained within the VH region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13; and comprises a CDR- Ll, a CDR-L2, a CDR-L3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequences of CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122.
[0135] In some embodiments, the VH region of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 13 and the VL region of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprises the amino acid sequence 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122. In some embodiments, the VH and VL regions of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprise the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 2, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 4, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 5 and 6, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 8, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 9 and 10, respectively; SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 12, respectively; or SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 14, respectively, or any antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that has at least 90% sequence identity to any of the above VH and VL, such as at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity thereto. In other examples, the VH and VL regions of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof provided therein comprise the amino acid sequences selected from: SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 116; SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 117; SEQ ID Nos: 5 and 118; SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 119; SEQ ID Nos: 9 and 120; SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121; or SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 122, respectively or any antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that has at least 90% sequence identity to any of the above VH and VL, such as at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity thereto.
[0136] For example, the VH and VL regions of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof provided therein comprise the amino acid sequences selected from: SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 2; SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 4; SEQ ID Nos: 5 and 6; SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 8; SEQ ID Nos: 9 and 10; SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 12; or SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 14, respectively. In other examples, the VH and VL regions of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof provided therein comprise the amino acid sequences selected from: SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 116; SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 117; SEQ ID Nos: 5 and 118; SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 119; SEQ ID Nos: 9 and 120; SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121; or SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 122, respectively.
[0137] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, in the provided CAR, is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as a single chain variable fragment (scFv) or a diabody or a single domain antibody (sdAb). In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single domain antibody comprising only the VH region. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen binding fragment is an scFv comprising a heavy chain variable (VH) region and a light chain variable (VL) region. In some embodiments, the singlechain antibody fragment (e.g., scFv) includes one or more linkers joining two antibody domains or regions, such as a heavy chain variable (VH) region and a light chain variable (VL) region. The linker typically is a peptide linker, e.g., a flexible and/or soluble peptide linker. Among the linkers are those rich in glycine and serine and/or in some cases threonine. In some embodiments, the linkers further include charged residues such as lysine and/or glutamate, which can improve solubility. In some embodiments, the linkers further include one or more proline.
[0138] Accordingly, the provided CARs contain anti-GPRC5D antibodies that include single-chain antibody fragments, such as scFvs and diabodies, particularly human single-chain antibody fragments, typically comprising linker(s) joining two antibody domains or regions, such VH and VL regions. The linker typically is a peptide linker, e.g., a flexible and/or soluble peptide linker, such as one rich in glycine and serine.
[0139] In some aspects, the linkers rich in glycine and serine (and/or threonine) include at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% such amino acid(s). In some embodiments, they include at least at or about 50%, 55%, 60%, 70%, or 75%, glycine, serine, and/or threonine. In some embodiments, the linker is comprised substantially entirely of glycine, serine, and/or threonine. The linkers generally are between about 5 and about 50 amino acids in length, typically between at or about 10 and at or about 30, e.g., 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, and in some examples between 10 and 25 amino acids in length. Exemplary linkers include linkers having various numbers of repeats of the sequence GGGGS (4GS; SEQ ID NO: 125) or GGGS (3GS; SEQ ID NO: 126), such as between 2, 3, 4, and 5 repeats of such a sequence. Exemplary linkers include those having or consisting of a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127 (GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS). Exemplary linkers further include those having or consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 128 (GSTSGSGKPGSGEGSTKG). Exemplary linkers further include those having or consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 129 (SRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSLEMA). An exemplary linker includes those having or consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 124 (GSRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSLEMA).
[0140] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the provided embodiments include single-chain antibody fragments, e.g., scFvs, comprising one or more of the aforementioned linkers, such as glycine/serine rich linkers, including linkers having repeats of GGGS (SEQ ID NO: 126) or GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 125), such as the linker set forth in SEQ ID NO: 124, 127 or 129.
[0141] In some embodiments, the VH region may be amino terminal to the VL region. In some embodiments, the VH region may be carboxy terminal to the VL region. In particular embedments, the fragment, e.g., scFv, may include a VH region or portion thereof, followed by the linker, followed by a VL region or portion thereof. In other embodiments, the fragment, e.g., the scFv, may include the VL region or portion thereof, followed by the linker, followed by the VH region or portion thereof.
[0142] In some aspects, an scFv of the extracellular antigen-binding domain of a CAR provided herein comprises the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: ISO- 143, or has an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 130-143.
[0143] In some aspects, an scFv of the extracellular domain of a CAR provided herein is encoded by the nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 144-157, or has a nucleotide sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID Nos: 144-157.
[0144] Among a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:2. In some embodiments, the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 116. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 15, 16 and 17, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 25, 26, and 27, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 18, 19 and 17, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 25, 26, and 27, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 20, 21 and 17, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 25, 26, and 27, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 22, 23 and 24, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 28, 29 and 27, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 130 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 130. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 144 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 144. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 131 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 131. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 145 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 145.
[0145] Among a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:4. In some embodiments, the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 117. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 30, 31, 32, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 33, 34 and 32, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 40, 41 and 42, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 35, 36 and 32, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 40, 41 and 42, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 37, 38 and 39, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 43, 44 and 42, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 132 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 132. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 146 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 146. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 133 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 133. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 147 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 147.
[0146] Among a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:6. In some embodiments, the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 118. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 45, 46, 47, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 55, 56 and 57, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 48, 49 and 47, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 55, 56 and 57, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 50, 51 and 47, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 55, 56 and 57, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 52, 53 and 54, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 58, 59 and 57, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 134 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 134. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 148 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 148. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 135 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 135. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 149 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 149.
[0147] Among a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:8. In some embodiments, the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 60, 61 and 62, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 70, 71 and 72, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 63, 64 and 62, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 70, 71 and 72, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 65, 66 and 62, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 70, 71 and 72, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 67, 68 and 69, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 73, 74 and 72, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 136 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 136. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 150 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 150. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 137. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 151 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:151.
[0148] Among a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:9; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:9; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 120. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 75, 76 and 77, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 85, 86 and 87, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 78, 79 and 77, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 85, 86 and 87, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 80, 81 and 77, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 85, 86 and 87, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 82, 83 and 84, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 88, 89 and 87, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 138 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 138. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 152 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 152. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 139 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 139. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 153 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 153.
[0149] Among a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 12. In some embodiments, the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:121. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 75, 90 and 91, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 97, 98 and 99, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 92, 93 and 91, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 97, 98 and 99, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 80, 94 and 91, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 97, 98 and 99, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 82, 95 and 96, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 100, 101 and 99, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 140 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 140. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 154 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 154. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:141 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 141. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 155 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:155.
[0150] Among a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigenbinding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the provided CAR is a CAR in which the antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 122. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 102, 103 and 104, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26, 113, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 105, 106 and 104, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26 and 113, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 107, 108 and 104, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26 and 113, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 109, 110, 111, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 114, 29 and 115, respectively. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the provided CAR contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 109, 110, 111, respectively and a VL region that contains a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 114, 29 and 123, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122. In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-chain antibody fragment, such as an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 142 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 142. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 156 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 156. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 143 or a sequence of amino acids at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 143. In some embodiments, the scFv is encoded by a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 157 or a sequence of nucleotides at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 157. b. Spacer
[0151] In some embodiments, the recombinant receptor such as a CAR comprising an antibody (e.g., antigen-binding fragment) provided herein, further includes a spacer, which may be or include at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region or variant or modified version thereof. In some embodiments, the portion of the immunoglobulin constant regon includes a hinge region, e.g., an IgG4 hinge region, and/or a CHI, CH2 or CH3 and/or Fc region. In some embodiments, the constant region or portion is of a human IgG, such as IgG4 or IgGl. In some aspects, the portion of the constant region serves as a spacer region between the antigen-recognition component, such as antigen-binding domain (e.g., scFv) and transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the length of the spacer is adjusted to optimize the biophysical synapse distance between the CAR-expressing cell, such as a CAR-expressing cell, and the target of the CAR, such as a GPRC5D-expressing tumor cell. In some embodiments, the CAR is expressed by a T-cell, and the length of the spacer is adjusted to a length that is compatible for T-cell activation or to optimize CAR T-cell performance.
[0152] In some embodiments, the spacer can be of a length that provides for increased responsiveness of the cell following antigen binding, as compared to in the absence of the spacer or as compared to an alternative spacer of a different length (e.g. shorter in length). In some examples, the spacer is at or about 12 amino acids in length or is no more than 12 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the spacer is at least 100 amino acids in length, such as at least 110, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, or 250 amino acids in length. Exemplary spacers include those having at least about 10 to 300 amino acids, about 10 to 200 amino acids, about 50 to 175 amino acids, about 50 to 150 amino acids, about 10 to 125 amino acids, about 50 to 100 amino acids, about 100 to 300 amino acids, about 100 to 250 amino acids, about 125 to 250 amino acids, or about 200 to 250 amino acids, and including any integer between the endpoints of any of the listed ranges. In some embodiments, a spacer region is at least about 12 amino acids, at least about 119 amino acids or less, at least about 125 amino acids, at least about 200 amino acids, or at least about 220 amino acids, or at least about 225 amino acids in length.
[0153] In some embodiments, the spacer has a length of 125 to 300 amino acids in length, 125 to 250 amino acids in length, 125 to 230 amino acids in length, 125 to 200 amino acids in length, 125 to 180 amino acids in length, 125 to 150 amino acids in length, 150 to 300 amino acids in length, 150 to 250 amino acids in length, 150 to 230 amino acids in length, 150 to 200 amino acids in length, 150 to 180 amino acids in length, 180 to 300 amino acids in length, 180 to 250 amino acids in length, 180 to 230 amino acids in length, 180 to 200 amino acids in length, 200 to 300 amino acids in length, 200 to 250 amino acids in length, 200 to 230 amino acids in length, 230 to 300 amino acids in length, 230 to 250 amino acids in length or 250 to 300 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the spacer is at least or at least about or is or is about 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228 or 229 amino acids in length, or a length between any of the foregoing. [0154] Exemplary spacers include an IgG hinge alone, an IgG hinge linked to one or more of a CH2 and CH3 domain, or IgG hinge linked to the CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the IgG hinge, CH2 and/or CH3 can be derived all or in part from IgG4 or IgG2, such as all or in part from humam IgG4 or human IgG2. In some embodiments, the spacer can be a chimeric polypeptide containing one or more of a hinge, CH2 and/or CH3 sequence(s) derived from IgG4, IgG2, and/or IgG2 and IgG4. In some embodiments, the hinge region comprises all or a portion of an IgG4 hinge region and/or of an IgG2 hinge region, wherein the IgG4 hinge region is optionally a human IgG4 hinge region and the IgG2 hinge region is optionally a human IgG2 hinge region; the CH2 region comprises all or a portion of an IgG4 CH2 region and/or of an IgG2 CH2 region, wherein the IgG4 CH2 region is optionally a human IgG4 CH2 region and the IgG2 CH2 region is optionally a human IgG2 CH2 region; and/or the CH3 region comprises all or a portion of an IgG4 CH3 region and/or of an IgG2 CH3 region, wherein the IgG4 CH3 region is optionally a human IgG4 CH3 region and the IgG2 CH3 region is optionally a human IgG2 CH3 region. In some embodiments, the hinge, CH2 and CH3 comprises all or a portion of each of a hinge region, CH2 and CH3 from IgG4. In some embodiments, the hinge region is chimeric and comprises a hinge region from human IgG4 and human IgG2; the CH2 region is chimeric and comprises a CH2 region from human IgG4 and human IgG2; and/or the CH3 region is chimeric and comprises a CH3 region from human IgG4 and human IgG2. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge comprising at least one amino acid replacement compared to human IgG4 hinge region; an human IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and a human IgG4 CH3 region.
[0155] In some embodiments, the spacer can be derived all or in part from IgG4 and/or IgG2 and can contain mutations, such as one or more single amino acid mutations in one or more domains. In some examples, the amino acid modification is a substitution of a proline (P) for a serine (S) in the hinge region of an IgG4. In some embodiments, the amino acid modification is a substitution of a glutamine (Q) for an asparagine (N) to reduce glycosylation heterogeneity, such as an N177Q mutation at position 177, in the CH2 region, of the full-length IgG4 Fc sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 158 or an N176Q at position 176, in the CH2 region, of the full-length IgG2 Fc sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 159. In some embodiments, the spacer is or comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region. In some embodiments, the spacer is about 228 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the spacer is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises the amino acid sequence ESKYGPPCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVWDVSQEDPEVQFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQFQSTYRWSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPSSIEKTISKAKGQP REPQVYTLPPSQEEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFF LYSRLTVDKSRWQEGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSLGK (SEQ ID NO: 162) [0156] In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by a polynucleotide that has been optimized for codon expression and/or to eliminate splice sites such as cryptic splice sites. In some embodiments, the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164. In some embodiments, the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163. In some embodiments, the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 165. In some embodiments, the coding sequence for the spacer comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 166.
[0157] Additional exemplary spacers include, but are not limited to, those described in Hudecek et al. (2013) Clin. Cancer Res., 19:3153, Hudecek et al. (2015) Cancer Immunol. Res., 3(2):125-135, or international patent application publication number WO2014031687. In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the spacer is optimized to reduce RNA heterogeneity upon expression. In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the spacer is optimized to reduce cryptic splice sites or reduce the likelihood of a splice event at a splice site.
[0158] In some embodiments, the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 160, and is encoded by the polynucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 167. In some embodiments, the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:161. In some embodiments, the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 168.
[0159] In some embodiments, the spacer has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162, encoded by the polynucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163, 164, 165 or 166 or a polynucleotide that exhibits at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 163, 164, 165 or 166.
[0160] In some embodiments, the spacer has an amino acid sequence that exhibits at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162, encoded by a polynucleotide that has been optionally optimized for codon usage and/or to reduce RNA heterogeneity. Methods to reduce RNA heterogeneity, such as by removing cryptic splice donor and/or acceptor sites, are described below, such as in Section I.A.2.b. Observations have shown that cryptic splice donor and/or acceptor sites are present in the spacer region of certain immunoglobulin spacers when present in a CAR. In some embodiments, the spacer in a provided CAR is encoded by a polynucleotide in which one or more cryptic splice donor and/or acceptor sites are eliminated and/or are modified to reduce heterogeneity of the RNA transcribed from the construct, such as mRNA, following expression in a cell. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164 (also set forth in SEQ ID NO: 171). In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 165. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 166. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 172.
[0161] In some embodiments, the spacer contains a hinge domain from CD28. In some embodiments, the spacer has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 170, and is encoded by the polynucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 169. c. Transmembrane domain and intracellular signaling components
[0162] The antigen-recognition component generally is linked to one or more intracellular signaling components, such as signaling components that mimic activation through an antigen receptor complex, such as a TCR complex, in the case of a CAR, and/or signal via another cell surface receptor. Thus, in some embodiments, a GPRC5D-binding molecule (e.g., antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof) is linked to one or more transmembrane domains such as those described herein and intracellular signaling domains comprising one or more intracellular components such as those described herein. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is fused to the extracellular domain. In one embodiment, a transmembrane domain that naturally is associated with one of the domains in the receptor, e.g., CAR, is used. In some instances, the transmembrane domain is selected or modified by amino acid substitution to avoid binding of such domains to the transmembrane domains of the same or different surface membrane proteins to minimize interactions with other members of the receptor complex.
[0163] The transmembrane domain in some embodiments is derived either from a natural or from a synthetic source. Where the source is natural, the domain in some aspects is derived from any membrane-bound or transmembrane protein. Transmembrane domains include those derived from (z.e. comprise at least the transmembrane domain(s) of) the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD3 epsilon, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD45, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, and/or CD154. For example, the transmembrane domain can be a CD28 transmembrane domain that comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 174 or SEQ ID NO: 175. Alternatively the transmembrane domain in some embodiments is synthetic. In some aspects, the synthetic transmembrane domain comprises predominantly hydrophobic residues such as leucine and valine. In some aspects, a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine will be found at each end of a synthetic transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the linkage is by linkers, spacers, and/or transmembrane domain(s).
[0164] Among the intracellular signaling domains are those that mimic or approximate a signal through a natural antigen receptor, a signal through such a receptor in combination with a costimulatory receptor, and/or a signal through a costimulatory receptor alone. In some embodiments, a short oligo- or polypeptide linker, for example, a linker of between 2 and 10 amino acids in length, such as one containing glycines and serines, e.g., glycine-serine doublet, is present and forms a linkage between the transmembrane domain and the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR.
[0165] The receptor, e.g., the CAR, generally includes an intracellular signaling region comprising at least one intracellular signaling component or components. In some embodiments, the receptor includes an intracellular component or signaling domain of a TCR complex, such as a TCR CD3 chain that mediates T-cell activation and cytotoxicity, e.g., CD3 zeta (CD3-Q chain. Thus, in some aspects, the GPRC5D-binding antibody is linked to one or more cell signaling modules. In some embodiments, cell signaling modules include CD3 transmembrane domain, CD3 intracellular signaling domains, and/or other CD transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the receptor, e.g., CAR, further includes a portion of one or more additional molecules such as Fc receptor y, CD8, CD4, CD25, or CD16. For example, in some aspects, the CAR includes a chimeric molecule between CD3-zeta (CD3-Q or Fc receptor y and CD8, CD4, CD25 or CD16.
[0166] In some embodiments, upon ligation of the CAR, the cytoplasmic domain or intracellular signaling domain of the CAR stimulates and/or activates at least one of the normal effector functions or responses of the immune cell, e.g., T cell engineered to express the CAR. For example, in some contexts, the CAR induces a function of a T cell such as cytolytic activity or T-helper activity, such as secretion of cytokines or other factors. In some embodiments, a truncated portion of an intracellular signaling domain of an antigen receptor component or costimulatory molecule is used in place of an intact immuno stimulatory chain, for example, if it transduces the effector function signal. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain or domains include the cytoplasmic sequences of the T cell receptor (TCR), and in some aspects also those of co-receptors that in the natural context act in concert with such receptor to initiate signal transduction following antigen receptor engagement, and/or any derivative or variant of such molecules, and/or any synthetic sequence that has the same functional capability.
[0167] In the context of a natural TCR, full activation generally requires not only signaling through the TCR, but also a costimulatory signal. Thus, in some embodiments, to promote full activation, a component for generating secondary or co-stimulatory signal is also included in the CAR. In other embodiments, the CAR does not include a component for generating a costimulatory signal. In some aspects, an additional CAR is expressed in the same cell and provides the component for generating the secondary or costimulatory signal.
[0168] T cell activation is in some aspects described as being mediated by two classes of cytoplasmic signaling sequences: those that initiate antigen-dependent primary activation through the TCR (primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences), and those that act in an antigenindependent manner to provide a secondary or co-stimulatory signal (secondary cytoplasmic signaling sequences). In some aspects, the CAR includes one or both of such classes of cytoplasmic signaling sequences.
[0169] In some aspects, the CAR includes a primary cytoplasmic signaling sequence that regulates primary stimulation and/or activation of the TCR complex. Primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences that act in a stimulatory manner may contain signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs or IT AMs. Examples of IT AM containing primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences include those derived from TCR or CD3 zeta, FcR gamma, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta and CD3 epsilon. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling region in the CAR contain(s) a cytoplasmic signaling domain, portion thereof, or sequence derived from CD3 zeta. In some embodiments the CD3 zeta comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 177 or SEQ ID NO: 178.
[0170] In some embodiments, the CAR includes a signaling domain (e.g., an intracellular or cytoplasmic signaling domain) and/or transmembrane portion of a costimulatory molecule, such as a T cell costimulatory molecule. Exemplary costimulatory molecules include CD28, 4- IBB, 0X40, DAP10, and ICOS. For example, a costimulatory molecule can be derived from 4-1BB and can comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179, encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 180 or SEQ ID NO: 181. In some aspects, the same CAR includes both the stimulatory or activating components e.g., cytoplasmic signaling sequence) and costimulatory components.
[0171] In some embodiments, the stimulatory or activating components are included within one CAR, whereas the costimulatory component is provided by another CAR recognizing another antigen. In some embodiments, the CARs include activating or stimulatory CARs, and costimulatory CARs, both expressed on the same cell (see WO 2014/055668). In some aspects, the GPRC5D-targeting CAR is the stimulatory or activating CAR; in other aspects, it is the costimulatory CAR. In some embodiments, the cells further include inhibitory CARs (iCARs, see Fedorov et al., Sci. Transl. Medicine, 5(215) (December, 2013), such as a CAR recognizing an antigen other than GPRC5D, whereby a stimulatory or an activating signal delivered through the GPRC5D -targeting CAR is diminished or inhibited by binding of the inhibitory CAR to its ligand, e.g., to reduce off-target effects.
[0172] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling region comprises a CD28 transmembrane and signaling domain linked to a CD3 (e.g., CD3-zeta) intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a chimeric CD28 and 4- IBB (CD137; TNFRSF9) co-stimulatory domains, linked to a CD3 zeta intracellular domain.
[0173] In some embodiments, the CAR encompasses one or more, e.g., two or more, costimulatory domains and a stimulatory or an activation domain, e.g., primary activation domain, in the cytoplasmic portion. Exemplary CARs include intracellular components of CD3- zeta, CD28, and 4- IBB.
[0174] In some embodiments, provided embodiments of anti-GPRC5D CAR contains an extracellular antigen-binding domain containing any of the anti-GPRC5D antibody or antigenbinding fragments described herein, such as in Section LAI; a spacer comprising an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region, such as one that is about 228 amino acids in length, or a spacer set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162, such as encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOS: 163, 164, 165 or 166; a transmembrane domain, such as a transmembrane domain from a human CD28 ; and an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and an intracellular signaling domain of a T cell costimulatory molecule. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding such a chimeric antigen receptor. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is or comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of a T cell costimulatory molecule is an intracellular signaling domain of human CD28, human 4- IBB or human ICOS or a signaling portion thereof. In particular embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain is an intracellular signaling domain of human 4-1BB. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain is or comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic signaling domain is a human CD3-zeta cytoplasmic signaling domain, such as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling region comprises the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 and SEQ ID NO: 179.
[0175] In some embodiments, provided embodiments of an anti-GPRC5D CARs has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183, or an amino acid sequence that is at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183. In some embodiments, provided embodiments of an anti-GPRC5D CAR is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182 or a nucleotide sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NO: 182.
[0176] In some embodiments, provided embodiments of an anti-GPRC5D CARs has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:208, or an amino acid sequence that is at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:208. In some embodiments, provided embodiments of an anti-GPRC5D CAR is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:209 or a nucleotide sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NO:209.
2. Nucleic Acids, Vectors and Methods for Genetic Engineering
[0177] In some embodiments, the cells, e.g., T cells, are genetically engineered to express a recombinant receptor. In some embodiments, the engineering is carried out by introducing polynucleotides that encode the recombinant receptor. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding a recombinant receptor, and vectors or constructs containing such nucleic acids and/or polynucleotides. [0178] In some cases, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the recombinant receptor contains a signal sequence that encodes a signal peptide. In some aspects, the signal sequence may encode a signal peptide derived from a native polypeptide. In other aspects, the signal sequence may encode a heterologous or non-native signal peptide. In some cases, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the recombinant receptor, e.g., chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) contains a signal sequence that encodes a signal peptide.
[0179] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding the recombinant receptor contains at least one promoter that is operatively linked to control expression of the recombinant receptor. In some examples, the polynucleotide contains two, three, or more promoters operatively linked to control expression of the recombinant receptor.
[0180] In certain cases where nucleic acid molecules encode two or more different polypeptide chains, e.g., a recombinant receptor and a marker, each of the polypeptide chains can be encoded by a separate nucleic acid molecule. For example, two separate nucleic acids are provided, and each can be individually transferred or introduced into the cell for expression in the cell. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor and the nucleic acid encoding the marker are operably linked to the same promoter and are optionally separated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), or a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving peptide or a peptide that causes ribosome skipping, which optionally is a T2A, a P2A, an E2A or an F2A. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids encoding the marker and the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor are operably linked to two different promoters. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the marker and the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor are present or inserted at different locations within the genome of the cell. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding the recombinant receptor is introduced into a composition containing cultured cells, such as by retroviral transduction, transfection, or transformation.
[0181] In some embodiments, such as those where the polynucleotide contains a first and second nucleic acid sequence, the coding sequences encoding each of the different polypeptide chains can be operatively linked to a promoter, which can be the same or different. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule can contain a promoter that drives the expression of two or more different polypeptide chains. In some embodiments, such nucleic acid molecules can be multicistronic (bicistronic or tricistronic, see e.g., U.S. Patent No. 6,060,273). In some embodiments, transcription units can be engineered as a bicistronic unit containing an IRES (internal ribosome entry site), which allows coexpression of gene products ((e.g. encoding the marker and encoding the recombinant receptor) by a message from a single promoter. Alternatively, in some cases, a single promoter may direct expression of an RNA that contains, in a single open reading frame (ORF), two or three genes (e.g. encoding the marker and encoding the recombinant receptor) separated from one another by sequences encoding a selfcleavage peptide (e.g., 2A sequences) or a protease recognition site (e.g., furin). The ORF thus encodes a single polypeptide, which, either during (in the case of 2A) or after translation, is processed into the individual proteins. In some cases, the peptide, such as a T2A, can cause the ribosome to skip (ribosome skipping) synthesis of a peptide bond at the C-terminus of a 2A element, leading to separation between the end of the 2A sequence and the next peptide downstream (see, for example, de Felipe, Genetic Vaccines and Ther. 2:13 (2004) and de Felipe et al. Traffic 5:616-626 (2004)). Various 2A elements are known. Examples of 2A sequences that can be used in the methods and system disclosed herein, without limitation, 2A sequences from the foot-and-mouth disease virus (F2A), equine rhinitis A virus (E2A), Thosea asigna virus (T2A), and porcine teschovirus-1 (P2A) as described in U.S. Patent Publication No.
20070116690.
[0182] Any of the recombinant receptors described herein can be encoded by polynucleotides containing one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding recombinant receptors, in any combinations or arrangements. For example, one, two, three or more polynucleotides can encode one, two, three or more different polypeptides, e.g., recombinant receptors. In some embodiments, one vector or construct contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding marker, and a separate vector or construct contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding a recombinant receptor, e.g., CAR. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the marker and the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor are operably linked to two different promoters. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the recombinant receptor is present downstream of the nucleic acid encoding the marker.
[0183] In some embodiments, the vector backbone contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more marker(s). In some embodiments, the one or more marker(s) is a transduction marker, surrogate marker and/or a selection marker.
[0184] In some embodiments, the marker is a transduction marker or a surrogate marker. A transduction marker or a surrogate marker can be used to detect cells that have been introduced with the polynucleotide, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a recombinant receptor. In some embodiments, the transduction marker can indicate or confirm modification of a cell. In some embodiments, the surrogate marker is a protein that is made to be co-expressed on the cell surface with the recombinant receptor, e.g. CAR. In particular embodiments, such a surrogate marker is a surface protein that has been modified to have little or no activity. In certain embodiments, the surrogate marker is encoded on the same polynucleotide that encodes the recombinant receptor. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the recombinant receptor is operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker, optionally separated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), or a nucleic acid encoding a selfcleaving peptide or a peptide that causes ribosome skipping, such as a 2A sequence, such as a T2A, a P2A, an E2A or an F2A. Extrinsic marker genes may in some cases be utilized in connection with engineered cell to permit detection or selection of cells and, in some cases, also to promote cell suicide.
[0185] Exemplary surrogate markers can include truncated forms of cell surface polypeptides, such as truncated forms that are non-functional and to not transduce or are not capable of transducing a signal or a signal ordinarily transduced by the full-length form of the cell surface polypeptide, and/or do not or are not capable of internalizing. Exemplary truncated cell surface polypeptides including truncated forms of growth factors or other receptors such as a truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (tHER2), a truncated epidermal growth factor receptor (tEGFR, exemplary tEGFR sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:254 or 255) or a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or modified form thereof. tEGFR may contain an epitope recognized by the antibody cetuximab (Erbitux®) or other therapeutic anti-EGFR antibody or binding molecule, which can be used to identify or select cells that have been engineered with the tEGFR construct and an encoded exogenous protein, and/or to eliminate or separate cells expressing the encoded exogenous protein. See U.S. Patent No. 8,802,374 and Liu et al., Nature Biotech. 2016 April; 34(4): 430-434). In some aspects, the marker, e.g. surrogate marker, includes all or part (e.g., truncated form) of CD34, a NGFR, a CD19 or a truncated CD19, e.g., a truncated non-human CD19, or epidermal growth factor receptor (e.g., tEGFR).
[0186] In some embodiments, the marker is or comprises a fluorescent protein, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), such as super-fold GFP (sfGFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP), such as tdTomato, mCherry, mStrawberry, AsRed2, DsRed or DsRed2, cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), blue green fluorescent protein (BFP), enhanced blue fluorescent protein (EBFP), and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), and variants thereof, including species variants, monomeric variants, and codon-optimized and/or enhanced variants of the fluorescent proteins. In some embodiments, the marker is or comprises an enzyme, such as a luciferase, the lacZ gene from E. coli, alkaline phosphatase, secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP), chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT). Exemplary light-emitting reporter genes include luciferase (luc), P-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), P-glucuronidase (GUS) or variants thereof.
[0187] In some embodiments, the marker is a selection marker. In some embodiments, the selection marker is or comprises a polypeptide that confers resistance to exogenous agents or drugs. In some embodiments, the selection marker is an antibiotic resistance gene. In some embodiments, the selection marker is an antibiotic resistance gene confers antibiotic resistance to a mammalian cell. In some embodiments, the selection marker is or comprises a Puromycin resistance gene, a Hygromycin resistance gene, a Blasticidin resistance gene, a Neomycin resistance gene, a Geneticin resistance gene or a Zeocin resistance gene or a modified form thereof.
[0188] In some embodiments, the molecule is a non-self molecule, e.g., non-self protein, i.e., one that is not recognized as “self’ by the immune system of the host into which the cells will be adoptively transferred.
[0189] In some embodiments, the marker serves no therapeutic function and/or produces no effect other than to be used as a marker for genetic engineering, e.g., for selecting cells successfully engineered. In other embodiments, the marker may be a therapeutic molecule or molecule otherwise exerting some desired effect, such as a ligand for a cell to be encountered in vivo, such as a costimulatory or immune checkpoint molecule to enhance and/or dampen responses of the cells upon adoptive transfer and encounter with ligand.
[0190] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the marker is operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding for a linker sequence, such as a cleavable linker sequence, e.g., a T2A. For example, a marker, and optionally a linker sequence, can be any as disclosed in PCT Pub. No. WO2014031687. For example, the marker can be a truncated EGFR (tEGFR) that is, optionally, linked to a linker sequence, such as a T2A cleavable linker sequence. An exemplary polypeptide for a truncated EGFR (e.g. tEGFR) comprises the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 254 or 255 or a sequence of amino acids that exhibits at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 254 or 255.
[0191] In some embodiments, recombinant nucleic acids are transferred into cells using recombinant infectious virus particles, such as, e.g., vectors derived from simian virus 40 (SV40), adenoviruses, adeno-associated virus (AAV). In some embodiments, recombinant nucleic acids are transferred into T cells using recombinant lentiviral vectors or retroviral vectors, such as gamma-retroviral vectors (see, e.g., Koste et al. (2014) Gene Therapy, 2014 Apr 3. doi: 10.1038/gt.2014.25; Carlens et al. (2000) Exp. Hematol., 28(10): 1137-46; Alonso- Camino et al. (2013) Mol. Ther. Nucl. Acids., 2, e93; Park et al., Trends Biotechnol., 2011 November 29(11): 550-557.
[0192] In some embodiments, the vector is an adeno-associated virus (AAV).
[0193] In some embodiments, the retroviral vector has a long terminal repeat sequence (LTR), e.g., a retroviral vector derived from the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV), myeloproliferative sarcoma virus (MPSV), murine embryonic stem cell virus (MESV), murine stem cell virus (MSCV), spleen focus forming virus (SFFV). Most retroviral vectors are derived from murine retroviruses. In some embodiments, the retroviruses include those derived from any avian or mammalian cell source. The retroviruses typically are amphotropic, meaning that they are capable of infecting host cells of several species, including humans. In one embodiment, the gene to be expressed replaces the retroviral gag, pol and/or env sequences. A number of illustrative retroviral systems have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,219,740; 6,207,453; 5,219,740; Miller and Rosman (1989) BioTechniques 7:980-990; Miller, A. D. (1990) Human Gene Therapy 1:5-14; Scarpa et al. (1991) Virology 180:849-852; Burns et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:8033-8037; and Boris-Lawrie and Temin (1993) Cur. Opin. Genet. Develop. 3:102-109.
[0194] In some embodiments, the cells, e.g., T cells, may be transfected either during or after expansion e.g. with a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). This transfection for the introduction of the gene of the desired receptor can be carried out with any suitable retroviral vector, for example. The genetically modified cell population can then be liberated from the initial stimulus (the anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulus, for example) and subsequently be stimulated with a second type of stimulus e.g. via a de novo introduced receptor). This second type of stimulus may include an antigenic stimulus in form of a peptide/MHC molecule, the cognate (cross-linking) ligand of the genetically introduced receptor (e.g. natural ligand of a CAR) or any ligand (such as an antibody) that directly binds within the framework of the new receptor (e.g. by recognizing constant regions within the receptor). See, for example, Cheadle et al, “Chimeric antigen receptors for T-cell based therapy” Methods Mol Biol. 2012; 907:645-66 or Barrett et al., Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy for Cancer Annual Review of Medicine Vol. 65: 333-347 (2014). [0195] In some cases, a vector may be used that does not require that the cells, e.g., T cells, are activated. In some such instances, the cells may be selected and/or transduced prior to activation. Thus, the cells may be engineered prior to, or subsequent to culturing of the cells, and in some cases at the same time as or during at least a portion of the culturing.
[0196] Among additional nucleic acids, e.g., genes for introduction are those to improve the efficacy of therapy, such as by promoting viability and/or function of transferred cells; genes to provide a genetic marker for selection and/or evaluation of the cells, such as to assess in vivo survival or localization; genes to improve safety, for example, by making the cell susceptible to negative selection in vivo as described by Lupton S. D. et al., Mol. and Cell Biol., 11:6 (1991); and Riddell et al., Human Gene Therapy 3:319-338 (1992); see also the publications of PCT/US91/08442 and PCT/US 94/05601 by Lupton et al. describing the use of bifunctional selectable fusion genes derived from fusing a dominant positive selectable marker with a negative selectable marker. See, e.g., Riddell et al., US Patent No. 6,040,177, at columns 14-17. a. Polynucleotides
[0197] Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the chimeric antigen receptors and/or portions, e.g., chains, thereof. Among the provided polynucleotides are those encoding the anti- GPRC5D chimeric antigen receptors (e.g., antigen-binding fragment) described herein. The polynucleotides may include those encompassing natural and/or non-naturally occurring nucleotides and bases, e.g., including those with backbone modifications. The terms “nucleic acid molecule”, “nucleic acid” and “polynucleotide” may be used interchangeably, and refer to a polymer of nucleotides. Such polymers of nucleotides may contain natural and/or non-natural nucleotides, and include, but are not limited to, DNA, RNA, and PNA. “Nucleic acid sequence” refers to the linear sequence of nucleotides that comprise the nucleic acid molecule or polynucleotide.
[0198] In some cases, the polynucleotide encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor contains a signal sequence that encodes a signal peptide, in some cases encoded upstream of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor, or joined at the 5’ terminus of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the antigen-binding domain. In some cases, the polynucleotide containing nucleic acid sequences encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor, e.g., chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), contains a signal sequence that encodes a signal peptide. In some aspects, the signal sequence may encode a signal peptide derived from a native polypeptide. In other aspects, the signal sequence may encode a heterologous or non-native signal peptide. In some aspects, non-limiting exemplary signal peptide include a signal peptide of the IgG kappa chain set forth in SEQ ID NO: 185, or encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 184 or 186-189. In some aspects, a non-limiting exemplary signal peptide includes a signal peptide of a GMCSFR alpha chain set forth in SEQ ID NO: 191 and encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 190. In some aspects, a non-limiting exemplary signal peptide includes a signal peptide of a CD8 alpha signal peptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 192. In some aspects, a non-limiting exemplary signal peptide includes a signal peptide of a CD33 signal peptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 193. In some cases, the polynucleotide encoding the GPRC5D- binding receptor can contain nucleic acid sequence encoding additional molecules, such as a surrogate marker or other markers, or can contain additional components, such as promoters, regulatory elements and/or multicistronic elements. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the GPRC5D-binding receptor can be operably linked to any of the additional components.
[0199] Also provided herein are polynucleotide constructs encoding a CAR that are codon diverged. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide construct encodes a CAR capable of binding GPRC5D, such as any CAR as described herein. In some embodiments, cells express an anti- GPRC5D CAR as a therapeutic agent against multiple myeloma plasma cells. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide constructs are codon diverged to improve expression the CAR encoded by the polynucleotide.
[0200] In some embodiments, among CARs provided herein are those encoded by polynucleotides that are optimized, or contain certain features designed for optimization, such as for codon usage, to reduce RNA heterogeneity and/or to modify, e.g., increase or render more consistent among cell product lots, expression, such as surface expression, of the encoded receptor. In some embodiments, polynucleotides, encoding GPRC5D-binding cell surface proteins, are modified as compared to a reference polynucleotide, such as to remove cryptic or hidden splice sites, to reduce RNA heterogeneity. In some embodiments, polynucleotides, encoding GPRC5D-binding cell surface proteins, are codon optimized, such as for expression in a mammalian, e.g., human, cell, such as in a human T cell. In some aspects, the modified polynucleotides result in in improved, e.g., increased or more uniform or more consistent level of, expression, e.g., surface expression, when expressed in a cell. Such polynucleotides can be utilized in constructs for generation of engineered cells that express the encoded GPRC5D- binding cell surface protein. Thus, also provided are cells expressing the recombinant receptors encoded by the polynucleotides provided herein and uses thereof in adoptive cell therapy, such as treatment of diseases and disorders associated with GPRC5D expression, e.g., multiple myeloma.
[0201] Also provided are cells, such as T cells, engineered to express a polynucleotide encoding a provided polynucleotide, including polynucleotides encoding a CAR, and compositions containing such cells. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide constructs are codon optimized for expression in a human cell. In some embodiments, one or more splice donor and/or acceptor sites in a polynucleotide construct is modified to reduce heterogeneity of the RNA transcribed from the construct, such as mRNA, following expression in a cell.
(i) Codon Optimization
[0202] In some embodiments the polynucleotides are modified by optimization of the codons for expression in humans. In some aspects, codon optimization can be considered before and/or after the steps for splice site identification and/or splice site elimination, and/or at each of the iterative steps for reducing RNA heterogeneity. Codon optimization generally involves balancing the percentages of codons selected with the abundance, e.g., published abundance, of human transfer RNAs, for example, so that none is overloaded or limiting. In some cases, such balancing is necessary or useful because most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon, and codon usage generally varies from organism to organism. Differences in codon usage between transfected or transduced genes or nucleic acids and host cells can have effects on protein expression from the nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, to generate codon- optimized nucleic acid sequences, codons are chosen to select for those codons that are in balance with human usage frequency. The redundancy of the codons for amino acids is such that different codons code for one amino acid. In selecting a codon for replacement, it is desired that the resulting mutation is a silent mutation such that the codon change does not affect the amino acid sequence. Generally, the last nucleotide of the codon (e.g., at the third position) can remain unchanged without affecting the amino acid sequence.
(ii) Splice Sites
[0203] Provided herein are polynucleotides in which one or more potential splice donor and/or splice acceptor sites have been identified and the nucleic acid sequence at or near the one or more of the identified splice donor sites has been modified. In some embodiments, the resulting modified nucleic acid sequence(s) is/are then synthesized and used to transduce cells to test for splicing as indicated by RNA heterogeneity. [0204] Also provided here are polynucleotides, such as those encoding any of the antibodies, receptors (such as antigen receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors) and/or GPRC5D- specific binding proteins provided herein, that are or have been modified to reduce heterogeneity or contain one or more nucleic acid sequences observed herein (such as by the optimization methods) to result in improved features of the polypeptides, such as the CARs, as compared to those containing distinct, reference, sequences or that have not been modified. Among such features include improvements in RNA heterogeneity, such as that resulting from the presence of one or more splice sites, such as one or more cryptic splice sites, and/or improved expression and/or surface expression of the encoded protein, such as increased levels, uniformity, or consistency of expression among cells or different therapeutic cell compositions engineered to express the polypeptides.
[0205] Also provided are polynucleotides that have been modified to eliminate splice sites, such as cryptic splice sites. Genomic nucleic acid sequences generally, in nature, in a mammalian cell, undergo processing co-transcriptionally or immediately following transcription, wherein a nascent precursor messenger ribonucleic acid (pre-mRNA), transcribed from a genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, is in some cases edited by way of splicing, to remove introns, followed by ligation of the exons in eukaryotic cells. Consensus sequences for splice sites are known, but in some aspects, specific nucleotide information defining a splice site may be complex and may not be readily apparent based on available methods. Cryptic splice sites are splice sites that are not predicted based on the standard consensus sequences and are variably activated. Hence, variable splicing of pre-mRNA at cryptic splice sites leads to heterogeneity in the transcribed mRNA products upon expression in eukaryotic cells.
[0206] Polynucleotides generated for the expression of transgenes are typically constructed from nucleic acid sequences, such as complementary DNA (cDNA), or portions thereof, that do not contain introns. Thus, splicing of such sequences is not expected to occur. However, the presence of cryptic splice sites within the cDNA sequence can lead to unintended or undesired splicing reactions and heterogeneity in the transcribed mRNA. Such heterogeneity results in translation of unintended protein products, such as truncated protein products with variable amino acid sequences that exhibit modified expression and/or activity.
[0207] In some embodiments, eliminating splice sites, such as cryptic splice sites, can improve or optimize expression of a transgene product, such as a polypeptide translated from the transgene, such as an anti-GPRC5D CAR polypeptide. Splicing at cryptic splice sites of an encoded transgene, such as an encoded GPRC5D CAR molecule, can lead to reduced protein expression, e.g., expression on cell surfaces, and/or reduced function, e.g., reduced intracellular signaling. Provided herein are polynucleotides, encoding anti-GPRC5D CAR proteins that have been optimized to reduce or eliminate cryptic splice sites. Also provided herein are polynucleotides encoding anti-GPRC5D CAR proteins that have been optimized for codon expression and/or in which one or more sequence, such as one identified by the methods or observations herein regarding splice sites, is present, and/or in which an identified splice site, such as any of the identified splice sites herein, is not present. Among the provided polynucleotides are those exhibiting below a certain degree of RNA heterogeneity or splice forms when expressed under certain conditions and/or introduced into a specified cell type, such as a human T cell, such as a primary human T cell, and cells and compositions and articles of manufacture containing such polypeptides and/or exhibiting such properties. In some embodiments, the RNA heterogeneity of transcribed RNA is reduced by greater than or greater than about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more compared to a polynucleotide that has not been modified to remove cryptic splice sites and/or by codon optimization. In some embodiments, the provided polynucleotides encoding an anti-GPRC5D CAR exhibit RNA homogeneity of transcribed RNA that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% or greater.
[0208] RNA heterogeneity can be determined by any of a number of methods provided herein or described or known. In some embodiments, RNA heterogeneity of a transcribed nucleic acid is determined by amplifying the transcribed nucleic acid, such as by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by detecting one or more differences, such as differences in size, in the one or more amplified products. In some embodiments, the RNA heterogeneity is determined based on the number of differently sized amplified products, or the proportion of various differently sized amplified products. In some embodiments, RNA, such as total RNA or cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNA, is harvested from cells, expressing the transgene to be optimized, and amplified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a primer specific to the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR), in some cases corresponding to a portion of the promoter sequence in the expression vector, located upstream of the transgene in the transcribed RNA, and a primer specific to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR), located downstream of the expressed transgene in the transcribed RNA sequence or a primer specific to a sequence within the transgene. In particular embodiments, at least one primer complementary to a sequence in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and at least one primer complementary to a sequence in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) are employed to amplify the transgene. The skilled artisan can resolve RNA, such as messenger RNA, and analyze the heterogeneity thereof by several methods. Non-limiting, exemplary methods include agarose gel electrophoresis, chip-based capillary electrophoresis, analytical centrifugation, field flow fractionation, and chromatography, such as size exclusion chromatography or liquid chromatography.
[0209] In some aspects, the presence of potential cryptic splice sites (splice donor and/or acceptor sites that are present in a transcript, such as a transgene transcript, can result in RNA heterogeneity of the transcript following expression in a cell. In some embodiments, the one or more potential splice sites that can be present in the transgene transcript, that are not desired and/or that may be created in a transgene transcript from various underlying sequences are identified, following codon optimization of a transcript and/or by mutation or mistake or error in transcription. In some aspects of the provided embodiments, the splice donor sites and splice acceptor sites are identified independently. In some embodiments, the splice acceptor and/or donor site(s) is/are canonical, non-canonical, and/or cryptic splice acceptor and/or donor site(s).
[0210] In some embodiments, one or more potential splice site (e.g., canonical, non- canonical, and/or cryptic splice acceptor and/or donor site(s) or branch sites) in a polynucleotide, such as a polynucleotide encoding a transgene, such as a recombinant receptor, that may exhibit RNA heterogeneity, are identified and/or modified. Also provided are polypeptides having reduced numbers of such splice sites as compared to such reference polynucleotides.
[0211] In some aspects, identification of the one or more splice sites in a nucleic acid sequence is an iterative process. In some embodiments, splice sites can be identified using a splice site and/or codon optimization prediction tool, such as by submitting the starting or reference sequence encoding the transgene, such as a GPRC5D-binding receptor, e.g., anti- GPRC5D, to a database, a gene synthesis vendor or other source able to computationally or algorithmically compare the starting or reference sequence to identify or predict splice sites and/or for codon optimization and/or splice site removal. In some embodiments, after modifying the sequence for codon optimization and/or splice site removal, one or more further assessment of a sequence, such as a revised or modified nucleic acid sequence, is carried out to further evaluate for splice site removal, such as cryptic splice sites, using one or more other or additional splice site prediction tool(s).
[0212] In some aspects, RNA heterogeneity can be a result of the activity of the spliceosome present in a eukaryotic cell. In some aspects, splicing is typically carried out in a series of reactions catalyzed by the spliceosome. Consensus sequences for splice sites are known, but in some aspects, specific nucleotide information defining a splice site may be complex and may not be readily apparent based on available methods. Cryptic splice sites are splice sites that are not predicted based on the standard consensus sequences and are variably activated. Hence, variable splicing of pre-mRNA at cryptic splice sites leads to heterogeneity in the transcribed mRNA products following expression in eukaryotic cells. In some cases, within spliceosomal introns, a donor site (usually at the 5’ end of the intron), a branch site (near the 3’ end of the intron) and an acceptor site (3’ end of the intron) are required for a splicing event. The splice donor site can include a GU sequence at the 5’ end of the intron, with a large less highly conserved region. The splice acceptor site at the 3’ end of the intron can terminatewith an AG sequence.
[0213] In some embodiments, one or more splice donor and/or splice acceptor site(s), such as the potential splice donor and/or acceptor sites that may be involved in a cryptic splicing event that is not desired or that results in undesired RNA heterogeneity, is eliminated. In some embodiments, eliminating one or more splice sites comprises modifying one or more nucleotides (e.g., by substitution or replacement) in, at, containing or near the splice donor and/or acceptor sites that are candidates for removal. In some aspects, a particular nucleotide within a codon that is at, contains or is near the splice site is modified (e.g., substituted or replaced). In some aspects, the modification (such as substitution or replacement) retains or preserves the amino acid encoded by the particular codon at the site, at the same time removing the potential splice donor and/or acceptor sites.
[0214] In some embodiments, the codon at or near the splice site for modification comprises one or more codons that involve one or both of the two nucleotides at the potential splice site (in some cases referred to as “splice site codon”). When the potential splicing is predicted to occur between two nucleotides in a codon, the codon is the only splice site codon for this splice site. If the potential splicing is predicted to occur between two adjacent codons, for example, between the last nucleotide of the first codon and the first nucleotide of the next codon, the two codons are splice site codons. For example, for splice sites that are predicted to be at boundaries of two codons, the two adjacent codons can be candidates for nucleotide modification. In some embodiments, the one or more codons comprise one splice site codon. In some embodiments, the one or more codons comprise both splice site codons. In some embodiments, a potential splice donor site is eliminated by modifying one or both splice site codons. In some embodiments, a potential splice acceptor donor site is eliminated by modifying one or both splice site codons. In some embodiments, the one or both codons at the splice site is not modified, for example, when there are no synonymous codon for the splice site codon. In some embodiments, if there are no synonymous codons available for the particular splice site codon, one or more nucleotides in a nearby codon can be modified. In some embodiments, one or more codons that are modified include a splice site codon, wherein the modification comprises changing one or both nucleotides at the splice site to a different nucleotide or different nucleotides. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the splice donor site is eliminated by modifying one or both splice site codons., wherein the modification does not change one or two of the nucleotides of the at the splice site to a different nucleotide, but a nearby nucleotide, e.g., a part of a codon adjacent to the splice site, is modified. In some embodiments, the nearby or adjacent nucleotides that can be modified include modification of a nucleotide that is a part of a nearby or adjacent codon, such as a codon that is within one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten codons upstream or downstream of the splice site codon.
[0215] In some cases, polynucleotides can be manually modified, while preserving the encoded amino acid sequence, to reduce the probability of a predicted splice site. In some embodiments, one or more of the predicted splice sites having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% probability of a splice site are manually modified to reduce the probability of the splicing event. In some embodiments, the one or more modification(s) is/are by nucleotide replacement or substitution of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the modification(s) is/are at the junction of the splice donor site or are at the junction of the splice acceptor site. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more nucleotide modifications is within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 residues of the splice site junction of the splice acceptor and/or splice donor site. In some embodiments, libraries of modified nucleic acid sequences can be generated with reduced probability of cryptic splice sites. In some embodiments, splice donor sites and splice acceptor sites are evaluated as a splice donor/acceptor pair. In particular embodiments, the splice donor sites and splice acceptor sites are evaluated independently, or individually, and not part as a splice donor/acceptor pair. In some embodiments, one or more predicted splice sites are not eliminated. In some embodiments, splice sites, such as known or predicted splice sites, within the promoter region of the transcript are not eliminated.
[0216] In some embodiments, one or more potential donor splice site is eliminated by modifying one or two splice site codons or one or more nearby or adjacent codons (for example, if a synonymous codon is not available for the splice site codon). In some embodiments, one or more potential acceptor splice site is eliminated by modifying one or two splice site codons or one or more nearby or adjacent codons (for example, if a synonymous codon is not available for the splice site codon). In some embodiments, the nearby or adjacent codon that is subject to modification include a codon that is within one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten codons upstream or downstream of the splice site codon, such as a codon that is within one, two or three codons from the splice site. In some embodiments, a potential branch site for splicing is removed or eliminated. In some aspects, a nucleotide within the codon at or near the branch site can be modified, e.g., substituted or replaced, to eliminate cryptic splicing and/or reduce RNA heterogeneity. In some embodiments, the modification of the one or more nucleotides can involve a substitution or replacement of one of the nucleotides that may be involved in splicing (such as at the splice donor site, splice acceptor site or splice branch site), such that the amino acid encoded by the codon is preserved, and the nucleotide substitution or replacement does not change the polypeptide sequence that is encoded by the polynucleotide. In some cases, the third position in the codon is more degenerate than the other two positions. Thus, various synonymous codons can encode a particular amino acid (see, e.g., Section I.A.2.a. above). In some embodiments, the modification includes replacing the codon with a synonymous codon used in the species of the cell into which the polynucleotide is introduced (e.g., human). In some embodiments, the species is human. In some embodiments, the one or more codon is replaced with a corresponding synonymous codons that the most frequently used in the species or synonymous codons that have a similar frequency of usage (e.g., most closest frequency of usage) as the corresponding codon (see, e.g., Section I.A.2.a. above).
[0217] In some aspects, a proposed modification can be further evaluated, for example, to assess whether the modification generates an undesired or additional restriction site in the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an additional restriction site may not be desired, and a further or a different modification (e.g., with a different nucleotide replacement at the same codon or a modification at a different position or codon) can be considered. In some aspects, particular restriction site, such as a designated restriction site, is avoided. In some aspects, if the modification does not substantially reduce the splice site prediction score, an additional or alternative modification can be proposed. In some embodiments, the splice site prediction score can be is reduced or lowered by at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% or 75%, after one or more iteration of the methods.
[0218] In some embodiments, a provided polynucleotide encoding an anti-GPRC5D CAR provided herein, or a construct provided herein, includes modifications to remove one or more splice donor and/or acceptor site that may contribute to splice events and/or reduced expression and/or increased RNA heterogeneity. In some embodiments, provided polynucleotides are modified in one or more polynucleotides in the spacer region to eliminate or reduce splice events. Among potential splice donor and/or acceptor sites that are modified or not included in a provided CAR are set forth in SEQ ID NO: 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, or 199. In some embodiments, modified nucleotides of such sites to reduce or eliminate potential splice and/or donor sites are set forth in SEQ ID NO: 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, or 206. In some embodiments, a provided polynucleotide encoding an anti-GPRC5D CAR, or other CAR, contains one or more nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, or 206. In some embodiments, a provided anti-GPRC5D CAR includes a spacer sequence that is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 165. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 166. In some embodiments, the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 172.
3. Cells and Preparation of Cells for Genetic Engineering
[0219] In some embodiments, the nucleic acids are heterologous, z.e., normally not present in a cell or sample obtained from the cell, such as one obtained from another organism or cell, which for example, is not ordinarily found in the cell being engineered and/or an organism from which such cell is derived. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids are not naturally occurring, such as a nucleic acid not found in nature, including one comprising chimeric combinations of nucleic acids encoding various domains from multiple different cell types.
[0220] The cells generally are eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian cells, and typically are human cells. In some embodiments, the cells are derived from the blood, bone marrow, lymph, or lymphoid organs, are cells of the immune system, such as cells of the innate or adaptive immunity, e.g., myeloid or lymphoid cells, including lymphocytes, typically T cells and/or NK cells. Other exemplary cells include stem cells, such as multipotent and pluripotent stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The cells typically are primary cells, such as those isolated directly from a subject and/or isolated from a subject and frozen. In some embodiments, the cells include one or more subsets of T cells or other cell types, such as whole T cell populations, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, and subpopulations thereof, such as those defined by function, activation state, maturity, potential for differentiation, expansion, recirculation, localization, and/or persistence capacities, antigen- specificity, type of antigen receptor, presence in a particular organ or compartment, marker or cytokine secretion profile, and/or degree of differentiation. With reference to the subject to be treated, the cells may be allogeneic and/or autologous. Among the methods include off-the-shelf methods. In some aspects, such as for off-the-shelf technologies, the cells are pluripotent and/or multipotent, such as stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In some embodiments, the methods include isolating cells from the subject, preparing, processing, culturing, and/or engineering them, and reintroducing them into the same subject, before or after cryopreservation.
[0221] Among the sub-types and subpopulations of T cells and/or of CD4+ and/or of CD8+ T cells are naive T (TN) cells, effector T cells (TEFF), memory T cells and sub-types thereof, such as stem cell memory T (TSCM), central memory T (TCM), effector memory T (TEM), or terminally differentiated effector memory T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), immature T cells, mature T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, naturally occurring and adaptive regulatory T (Treg) cells, helper T cells, such as TH1 cells, TH2 cells, TH3 cells, TH 17 cells, TH9 cells, TH22 cells, follicular helper T cells, alpha/beta T cells, and delta/gamma T cells.
[0222] In some embodiments, the cells are natural killer (NK) cells. In some embodiments, the cells are monocytes or granulocytes, e.g., myeloid cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, mast cells, eosinophils, and/or basophils.
[0223] In some embodiments, the cells include one or more nucleic acids introduced via genetic engineering, and thereby express recombinant or genetically engineered products of such nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids are heterologous, i.e., normally not present in a cell or sample obtained from the cell, such as one obtained from another organism or cell, which for example, is not ordinarily found in the cell being engineered and/or an organism from which such cell is derived. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids are not naturally occurring, such as a nucleic acid not found in nature, including one comprising chimeric combinations of nucleic acids encoding various domains from multiple different cell types.
[0224] In some embodiments, preparation of the engineered cells includes one or more culture and/or preparation steps. The cells for introduction of the nucleic acid encoding the transgenic receptor such as the CAR, may be isolated from a sample, such as a biological sample, e.g., one obtained from or derived from a subject. In some embodiments, the subject from which the cell is isolated is one having the disease or condition or in need of a cell therapy or to which cell therapy will be administered. The subject in some embodiments is a human in need of a particular therapeutic intervention, such as the adoptive cell therapy for which cells are being isolated, processed, and/or engineered. [0225] Accordingly, the cells in some embodiments are primary cells, e.g., primary human cells. The samples include tissue, fluid, and other samples taken directly from the subject, as well as samples resulting from one or more processing steps, such as separation, centrifugation, genetic engineering (e.g. transduction with viral vector), washing, and/or incubation. The biological sample can be a sample obtained directly from a biological source or a sample that is processed. Biological samples include, but are not limited to, body fluids, such as blood, plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, urine and sweat, tissue and organ samples, including processed samples derived therefrom.
[0226] In some aspects, the sample from which the cells are derived or isolated is blood or a blood-derived sample, or is or is derived from an apheresis or leukapheresis product. Exemplary samples include whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), leukocytes, bone marrow, thymus, tissue biopsy, tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, lymph node, gut associated lymphoid tissue, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, spleen, other lymphoid tissues, liver, lung, stomach, intestine, colon, kidney, pancreas, breast, bone, prostate, cervix, testes, ovaries, tonsil, or other organ, and/or cells derived therefrom. Samples include, in the context of cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy, samples from autologous and allogeneic sources.
[0227] In some embodiments, the cells are derived from cell lines, e.g., T cell lines. The cells in some embodiments are obtained from a xenogeneic source, for example, from mouse, rat, non-human primate, and pig.
[0228] In some embodiments, isolation of the cells includes one or more preparation and/or non-affinity based cell separation steps. In some examples, cells are washed, centrifuged, and/or incubated in the presence of one or more reagents, for example, to remove unwanted components, enrich for desired components, lyse or remove cells sensitive to particular reagents. In some examples, cells are separated based on one or more property, such as density, adherent properties, size, sensitivity and/or resistance to particular components.
[0229] In some examples, cells from the circulating blood of a subject are obtained, e.g., by apheresis or leukapheresis. The samples, in some aspects, contain lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and/or platelets, and in some aspects contains cells other than red blood cells and platelets.
[0230] In some embodiments, the blood cells collected from the subject are washed, e.g., to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps. In some embodiments, the cells are washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In some embodiments, the wash solution lacks calcium and/or magnesium and/or many or all divalent cations. In some aspects, a washing step is accomplished a semi-automated “flow-through” centrifuge (for example, the Cobe 2991 cell processor, Baxter) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In some aspects, a washing step is accomplished by tangential flow filtration (TFF) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In some embodiments, the cells are resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers after washing, such as, for example, Ca++/Mg++ free PBS. In certain embodiments, components of a blood cell sample are removed and the cells directly resuspended in culture media.
[0231] In some embodiments, the methods include density-based cell separation methods, such as the preparation of white blood cells from peripheral blood by lysing the red blood cells and centrifugation through a Percoll or Ficoll gradient.
[0232] In some embodiments, the isolation methods include the separation of different cell types based on the expression or presence in the cell of one or more specific molecules, such as surface markers, e.g., surface proteins, intracellular markers, or nucleic acid. In some embodiments, any known method for separation based on such markers may be used. In some embodiments, the separation is affinity- or immunoaffinity-based separation. For example, the isolation in some aspects includes separation of cells and cell populations based on the cells’ expression or expression level of one or more markers, typically cell surface markers, for example, by incubation with an antibody or binding partner that specifically binds to such markers, followed generally by washing steps and separation of cells having bound the antibody or binding partner, from those cells having not bound to the antibody or binding partner.
[0233] Such separation steps can be based on positive selection, in which the cells having bound the reagents are retained for further use, and/or negative selection, in which the cells having not bound to the antibody or binding partner are retained. In some examples, both fractions are retained for further use. In some aspects, negative selection can be particularly useful where no antibody is available that specifically identifies a cell type in a heterogeneous population, such that separation is best carried out based on markers expressed by cells other than the desired population.
[0234] The separation need not result in 100% enrichment or removal of a particular cell population or cells expressing a particular marker. For example, positive selection of or enrichment for cells of a particular type, such as those expressing a marker, refers to increasing the number or percentage of such cells, but need not result in a complete absence of cells not expressing the marker. Likewise, negative selection, removal, or depletion of cells of a particular type, such as those expressing a marker, refers to decreasing the number or percentage of such cells, but need not result in a complete removal of all such cells.
[0235] In some examples, multiple rounds of separation steps are carried out, where the positively or negatively selected fraction from one step is subjected to another separation step, such as a subsequent positive or negative selection. In some examples, a single separation step can deplete cells expressing multiple markers simultaneously, such as by incubating cells with a plurality of antibodies or binding partners, each specific for a marker targeted for negative selection. Likewise, multiple cell types can simultaneously be positively selected by incubating cells with a plurality of antibodies or binding partners expressed on the various cell types.
[0236] For example, in some aspects, specific subpopulations of T cells, such as cells positive or expressing high levels of one or more surface markers, e.g., CD28+, CD62L+, CCR7+, CD27+, CD127+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RA+, and/or CD45RO+ T cells, are isolated by positive or negative selection techniques.
[0237] For example, CD3+, CD28+ T cells can be positively selected using anti-CD3/anti- CD28 conjugated magnetic beads (e.g., DYNABEADS® M-450 CD3/CD28 T Cell Expander).
[0238] In some embodiments, isolation is carried out by enrichment for a particular cell population by positive selection, or depletion of a particular cell population, by negative selection. In some embodiments, positive or negative selection is accomplished by incubating cells with one or more antibodies or other binding agent that specifically bind to one or more surface markers expressed or expressed (marker+) at a relatively higher level (marker111811) on the positively or negatively selected cells, respectively.
[0239] In some embodiments, T cells are separated from a PBMC sample by negative selection of markers expressed on non-T cells, such as B cells, monocytes, or other white blood cells, such as CD 14. In some aspects, a CD4+ or CD8+ selection step is used to separate CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Such CD4+ and CD8+ populations can be further sorted into sub-populations by positive or negative selection for markers expressed or expressed to a relatively higher degree on one or more naive, memory, and/or effector T cell subpopulations.
[0240] In some embodiments, CD8+ cells are further enriched for or depleted of naive, central memory, effector memory, and/or central memory stem cells, such as by positive or negative selection based on surface antigens associated with the respective subpopulation. In some embodiments, enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is carried out to increase efficacy, such as to improve long-term survival, expansion, and/or engraftment following administration, which in some aspects is particularly robust in such sub-populations. See Terakura et al. (2012) Blood, 1:72-82; Wang et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9):689-701. In some embodiments, combining TcM-enriched CD8+ T cells and CD4+T cells further enhances efficacy.
[0241] In embodiments, memory T cells are present in both CD62L+ and CD62L" subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes. PBMC can be enriched for or depleted of CD62L'CD8+ and/or CD62L+CD8+ fractions, such as using anti-CD8 and anti-CD62L antibodies.
[0242] In some embodiments, the enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is based on positive or high surface expression of CD45RO, CD62L, CCR7, CD28, CD3, and/or CD 127; in some aspects, it is based on negative selection for cells expressing or highly expressing CD45RA and/or granzyme B. In some aspects, isolation of a CD8+ population enriched for TCM cells is carried out by depletion of cells expressing CD4, CD 14, CD45RA, and positive selection or enrichment for cells expressing CD62L. In one aspect, enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is carried out starting with a negative fraction of cells selected based on CD4 expression, which is subjected to a negative selection based on expression of CD 14 and CD45RA, and a positive selection based on CD62L. Such selections in some aspects are carried out simultaneously and in other aspects are carried out sequentially, in either order. In some aspects, the same CD4 expression-based selection step used in preparing the CD8+ cell population or subpopulation, also is used to generate the CD4+ cell population or subpopulation, such that both the positive and negative fractions from the CD4-based separation are retained and used in subsequent steps of the methods, optionally following one or more further positive or negative selection steps.
[0243] In a particular example, a sample of PBMCs or other white blood cell sample is subjected to selection of CD4+ cells, where both the negative and positive fractions are retained. The negative fraction then is subjected to negative selection based on expression of CD 14 and CD45RA or CD 19, and positive selection based on a marker characteristic of central memory T cells, such as CD62L or CCR7, where the positive and negative selections are carried out in either order.
[0244] CD4+ T helper cells are sorted into naive, central memory, and effector cells by identifying cell populations that have cell surface antigens. CD4+ lymphocytes can be obtained by standard methods. In some embodiments, naive CD4+ T lymphocytes are CD45RO", CD45RA+, CD62L+, CD4+ T cells. In some embodiments, central memory CD4+ cells are CD62L+ and CD45RO+. In some embodiments, effector CD4+ cells are CD62L" and CD45RO". [0245] In one example, to enrich for CD4+ cells by negative selection, a monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies to CD14, CD20, CDl lb, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8. In some embodiments, the antibody or binding partner is bound to a solid support or matrix, such as a magnetic bead or paramagnetic bead, to allow for separation of cells for positive and/or negative selection. For example, in some embodiments, the cells and cell populations are separated or isolated using immunomagnetic (or affinitymagnetic) separation techniques (reviewed in Methods in Molecular Medicine, vol. 58: Metastasis Research Protocols, Vol. 2: Cell Behavior In Vitro and In Vivo, p 17-25 Edited by: S. A. Brooks and U. Schumacher © Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ).
[0246] In some aspects, the sample or composition of cells to be separated is incubated with small, magnetizable or magnetically responsive material, such as magnetically responsive particles or microparticles, such as paramagnetic beads (e.g., such as Dynabeads or MACS beads). The magnetically responsive material, e.g., particle, generally is directly or indirectly attached to a binding partner, e.g., an antibody, that specifically binds to a molecule, e.g., surface marker, present on the cell, cells, or population of cells that it is desired to separate, e.g., that it is desired to negatively or positively select.
[0247] In some embodiments, the magnetic particle or bead comprises a magnetically responsive material bound to a specific binding member, such as an antibody or other binding partner. There are many well-known magnetically responsive materials used in magnetic separation methods. Suitable magnetic particles include those described in Molday, U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,773, and in European Patent Specification EP 452342 B, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Colloidal sized particles, such as those described in Owen U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,698, and Liberti et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,084 are other examples.
[0248] The incubation generally is carried out under conditions whereby the antibodies or binding partners, or molecules, such as secondary antibodies or other reagents, which specifically bind to such antibodies or binding partners, which are attached to the magnetic particle or bead, specifically bind to cell surface molecules if present on cells within the sample.
[0249] In some aspects, the sample is placed in a magnetic field, and those cells having magnetically responsive or magnetizable particles attached thereto will be attracted to the magnet and separated from the unlabeled cells. For positive selection, cells that are attracted to the magnet are retained; for negative selection, cells that are not attracted (unlabeled cells) are retained. In some aspects, a combination of positive and negative selection is performed during the same selection step, where the positive and negative fractions are retained and further processed or subject to further separation steps.
[0250] In certain embodiments, the magnetically responsive particles are coated in primary antibodies or other binding partners, secondary antibodies, lectins, enzymes, or streptavidin. In certain embodiments, the magnetic particles are attached to cells via a coating of primary antibodies specific for one or more markers. In certain embodiments, the cells, rather than the beads, are labeled with a primary antibody or binding partner, and then cell-type specific secondary antibody- or other binding partner (e.g., streptavidin)-coated magnetic particles, are added. In certain embodiments, streptavidin-coated magnetic particles are used in conjunction with biotinylated primary or secondary antibodies.
[0251] In some embodiments, the magnetically responsive particles are left attached to the cells that are to be subsequently incubated, cultured and/or engineered; in some aspects, the particles are left attached to the cells for administration to a patient. In some embodiments, the magnetizable or magnetically responsive particles are removed from the cells. Methods for removing magnetizable particles from cells are known and include, e.g., the use of competing non-labeled antibodies, and magnetizable particles or antibodies conjugated to cleavable linkers. In some embodiments, the magnetizable particles are biodegradable.
[0252] In some embodiments, the affinity-based selection is via magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA). Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) systems are capable of high-purity selection of cells having magnetized particles attached thereto. In certain embodiments, MACS operates in a mode wherein the non-target and target species are sequentially eluted after the application of the external magnetic field. That is, the cells attached to magnetized particles are held in place while the unattached species are eluted. Then, after this first elution step is completed, the species that were trapped in the magnetic field and were prevented from being eluted are freed in some manner such that they can be eluted and recovered. In certain embodiments, the non-target cells are labelled and depleted from the heterogeneous population of cells.
[0253] In certain embodiments, the isolation or separation is carried out using a system, device, or apparatus that carries out one or more of the isolation, cell preparation, separation, processing, incubation, culture, and/or formulation steps of the methods. In some aspects, the system is used to carry out each of these steps in a closed or sterile environment, for example, to minimize error, user handling and/or contamination. In one example, the system is a system as described in International Patent Application, Publication Number W02009/072003, or US 20110003380 Al.
[0254] In some embodiments, the system or apparatus carries out one or more, e.g., all, of the isolation, processing, engineering, and formulation steps in an integrated or self-contained system, and/or in an automated or programmable fashion. In some aspects, the system or apparatus includes a computer and/or computer program in communication with the system or apparatus, which allows a user to program, control, assess the outcome of, and/or adjust various aspects of the processing, isolation, engineering, and formulation steps.
[0255] In some aspects, the separation and/or other steps is carried out using CliniMACS system (Miltenyi Biotec), for example, for automated separation of cells on a clinical-scale level in a closed and sterile system. Components can include an integrated microcomputer, magnetic separation unit, peristaltic pump, and various pinch valves. The integrated computer in some aspects controls all components of the instrument and directs the system to perform repeated procedures in a standardized sequence. The magnetic separation unit in some aspects includes a movable permanent magnet and a holder for the selection column. The peristaltic pump controls the flow rate throughout the tubing set and, together with the pinch valves, ensures the controlled flow of buffer through the system and continual suspension of cells.
[0256] The CliniMACS system in some aspects uses antibody-coupled magnetizable particles that are supplied in a sterile, non-pyrogenic solution. In some embodiments, after labelling of cells with magnetic particles the cells are washed to remove excess particles. A cell preparation bag is then connected to the tubing set, which in turn is connected to a bag containing buffer and a cell collection bag. The tubing set consists of pre-assembled sterile tubing, including a pre-column and a separation column, and are for single use only. After initiation of the separation program, the system automatically applies the cell sample onto the separation column. Labelled cells are retained within the column, while unlabeled cells are removed by a series of washing steps. In some embodiments, the cell populations for use with the methods described herein are unlabeled and are not retained in the column. In some embodiments, the cell populations for use with the methods described herein are labeled and are retained in the column. In some embodiments, the cell populations for use with the methods described herein are eluted from the column after removal of the magnetic field, and are collected within the cell collection bag.
[0257] In certain embodiments, separation and/or other steps are carried out using the CliniMACS Prodigy system (Miltenyi Biotec). The CliniMACS Prodigy system in some aspects is equipped with a cell processing unity that permits automated washing and fractionation of cells by centrifugation. The CliniMACS Prodigy system can also include an onboard camera and image recognition software that determines the optimal cell fractionation endpoint by discerning the macroscopic layers of the source cell product. For example, peripheral blood is automatically separated into erythrocytes, white blood cells and plasma layers. The CliniMACS Prodigy system can also include an integrated cell cultivation chamber which accomplishes cell culture protocols such as, e.g., cell differentiation and expansion, antigen loading, and long-term cell culture. Input ports can allow for the sterile removal and replenishment of media and cells can be monitored using an integrated microscope. See, e.g., Klebanoff et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9): 651-660, Terakura et al. (2012) Blood.1:72-82, and Wang et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9):689-701.
[0258] In some embodiments, a cell population described herein is collected and enriched (or depleted) via flow cytometry, in which cells stained for multiple cell surface markers are carried in a fluidic stream. In some embodiments, a cell population described herein is collected and enriched (or depleted) via preparative scale (FACS) -sorting. In certain embodiments, a cell population described herein is collected and enriched (or depleted) by use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) chips in combination with a FACS-based detection system (see, e.g., WO 2010/033140, Cho et al. (2010) Lab Chip 10, 1567-1573; and Godin et al. (2008) J Biophoton. l(5):355-376. In both cases, cells can be labeled with multiple markers, allowing for the isolation of well-defined T cell subsets at high purity.
[0259] In some embodiments, the antibodies or binding partners are labeled with one or more detectable marker, to facilitate separation for positive and/or negative selection. For example, separation may be based on binding to fluorescently labeled antibodies. In some examples, separation of cells based on binding of antibodies or other binding partners specific for one or more cell surface markers are carried in a fluidic stream, such as by fluorescence- activated cell sorting (FACS), including preparative scale (FACS) and/or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) chips, e.g., in combination with a flow-cytometric detection system. Such methods allow for positive and negative selection based on multiple markers simultaneously.
[0260] In some embodiments, the preparation methods include steps for freezing, e.g., cryopreserving, the cells, either before or after isolation, incubation, and/or engineering. In some embodiments, the freeze and subsequent thaw step removes granulocytes and, to some extent, monocytes in the cell population. In some embodiments, the cells are suspended in a freezing solution, e.g., following a washing step to remove plasma and platelets. Any of a variety of known freezing solutions and parameters in some aspects may be used. One example involves using PBS containing 20% DMSO and 8% human serum albumin (HSA), or other suitable cell freezing media. This is then diluted 1 : 1 with media so that the final concentration of DMSO and HSA are 10% and 4%, respectively. The cells are generally then frozen to -80° C. at a rate of 1°C per minute and stored in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen storage tank.
[0261] In some embodiments, the cells are incubated and/or cultured prior to or in connection with genetic engineering. The incubation steps can include culture, cultivation, stimulation, activation, and/or propagation. The incubation and/or engineering may be carried out in a culture vessel, such as a unit, chamber, well, column, tube, tubing set, valve, vial, culture dish, bag, or other container for culture or cultivating cells. In some embodiments, the compositions or cells are incubated in the presence of stimulating conditions or a stimulatory agent. Such conditions include those designed to induce proliferation, expansion, activation, and/or survival of cells in the population, to mimic antigen exposure, and/or to prime the cells for genetic engineering, such as for the introduction of a recombinant antigen receptor.
[0262] The conditions can include one or more of particular media, temperature, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content, time, agents, e.g., nutrients, amino acids, antibiotics, ions, and/or stimulatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, antigens, binding partners, fusion proteins, recombinant soluble receptors, and any other agents designed to activate the cells.
[0263] In some embodiments, the stimulating conditions or agents include one or more agent, e.g., ligand, which is capable of activating or stimulating an intracellular signaling domain of a TCR complex. In some aspects, the agent turns on or initiates TCR/CD3 intracellular signaling cascade in a T cell. Such agents can include antibodies, such as those specific for a TCR, e.g. anti-CD3. In some embodiments, the stimulating conditions include one or more agent, e.g. ligand, which is capable of stimulating a costimulatory receptor, e.g., anti- CD28. In some embodiments, such agents and/or ligands may be, bound to solid support such as a bead, and/or one or more cytokines. Optionally, the expansion method may further comprise the step of adding anti-CD3 and/or anti CD28 antibody to the culture medium (e.g., at a concentration of at least about 0.5 ng/ml). In some embodiments, the stimulating agents include IL-2, IL- 15 and/or IL-7. In some aspects, the IL-2 concentration is at least about 10 units/mL.
[0264] In some aspects, incubation is carried out in accordance with techniques such as those described in US Patent No. 6,040,177 to Riddell et al., Klebanoff et a/.(2012) J Immunother. 35(9): 651-660, Terakura et al. (2012) Blood.1:72-82, and/or Wang et al. (2012) J Immunother. 35(9):689-701.
[0265] In some embodiments, the T cells are expanded by adding to a culture-initiating composition feeder cells, such as non-dividing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), (e.g., such that the resulting population of cells contains at least about 5, 10, 20, or 40 or more PBMC feeder cells for each T lymphocyte in the initial population to be expanded); and incubating the culture (e.g. for a time sufficient to expand the numbers of T cells). In some aspects, the non-dividing feeder cells can comprise gamma-irradiated PBMC feeder cells. In some embodiments, the PBMC are irradiated with gamma rays in the range of about 3000 to 3600 rads to prevent cell division. In some aspects, the feeder cells are added to culture medium prior to the addition of the populations of T cells.
[0266] In some embodiments, the stimulating conditions include temperature suitable for the growth of human T lymphocytes, for example, at least about 25 degrees Celsius, generally at least about 30 degrees, and generally at or about 37 degrees Celsius. Optionally, the incubation may further comprise adding non-dividing EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells (LCL) as feeder cells. LCL can be irradiated with gamma rays in the range of about 6000 to 10,000 rads. The LCL feeder cells in some aspects is provided in any suitable amount, such as a ratio of LCL feeder cells to initial T lymphocytes of at least about 10:1.
[0267] In embodiments, antigen-specific T cells, such as antigen- specific CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells, are obtained by stimulating naive or antigen specific T lymphocytes with antigen. Lor example, antigen- specific T cell lines or clones can be generated to cytomegalovirus antigens by isolating T cells from infected subjects and stimulating the cells in vitro with the same antigen.
4. Compositions and Formulations
[0268] In some embodiments, the dose of cells of the cell therapy, such as a T cell therapy comprising cells engineered with a recombinant antigen receptor, e.g. CAR, is provided as a composition or formulation, such as a pharmaceutical composition or formulation. Such compositions can be used in accord with the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions.
[0269] In some embodiments, the cell therapy, such as engineered T cells (e.g. CAR T cells), are formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some aspects, the choice of carrier is determined in part by the particular cell or agent and/or by the method of administration. Accordingly, there are a variety of suitable formulations. For example, the pharmaceutical composition can contain preservatives. Suitable preservatives may include, for example, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, and benzalkonium chloride. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more preservatives is used. The preservative or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 2% by weight of the total composition. Carriers are described, e.g., by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980). Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are generally nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include, but are not limited to: buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and 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; and 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, and 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 polyethylene glycol (PEG).
[0270] Buffering agents in some aspects are included in the compositions. Suitable buffering agents include, for example, citric acid, sodium citrate, phosphoric acid, potassium phosphate, and various other acids and salts. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more buffering agents is used. The buffering agent or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 4% by weight of the total composition. Methods for preparing administrable pharmaceutical compositions are known. Exemplary methods are described in more detail in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 21st ed. (May 1, 2005).
[0271] The formulations can include aqueous solutions. The formulation or composition may also contain more than one active ingredient useful for the particular indication, disease, or condition being treated with the cells or agents, where the respective activities do not adversely affect one another. Such active ingredients are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended. Thus, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further includes other pharmaceutically active agents or drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, e.g., asparaginase, busulfan, carboplatin, cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, paclitaxel, rituximab, vinblastine, vincristine, etc.
[0272] The pharmaceutical composition in some embodiments contains cells in amounts effective to treat the disease or condition, such as a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount. Therapeutic efficacy in some embodiments is monitored by periodic assessment of treated subjects. For repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on the condition, the treatment is repeated until a desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. However, other dosage regimens may be useful and can be determined. The desired dosage can be delivered by a single bolus administration of the composition, by multiple bolus administrations of the composition, or by continuous infusion administration of the composition.
[0273] The cells may be administered using standard administration techniques, formulations, and/or devices. Provided are formulations and devices, such as syringes and vials, for storage and administration of the compositions. With respect to cells, administration can be autologous or heterologous. For example, immunoresponsive cells or progenitors can be obtained from one subject, and administered to the same subject or a different, compatible subject. Peripheral blood derived immunoresponsive cells or their progeny (e.g., in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro derived) can be administered via localized injection, including catheter administration, systemic injection, localized injection, intravenous injection, or parenteral administration. When administering a therapeutic composition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition containing a genetically modified immunoresponsive cell), it will generally be formulated in a unit dosage injectable form (solution, suspension, emulsion).
[0274] Formulations include those for oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, pulmonary, transdermal, intramuscular, intranasal, buccal, sublingual, or suppository administration. In some embodiments, the agent or cell populations are administered parenterally. The term “parenteral,” as used herein, includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, and intraperitoneal administration. In some embodiments, the agent or cell populations are administered to a subject using peripheral systemic delivery by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection.
[0275] Compositions in some embodiments are provided as sterile liquid preparations, e.g., isotonic aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, or viscous compositions, which may in some aspects be buffered to a selected pH. Liquid preparations are normally easier to prepare than gels, other viscous compositions, and solid compositions. Additionally, liquid compositions are somewhat more convenient to administer, especially by injection. Viscous compositions, on the other hand, can be formulated within the appropriate viscosity range to provide longer contact periods with specific tissues. Liquid or viscous compositions can comprise carriers, which can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol) and suitable mixtures thereof.
[0276] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the cells in a solvent, such as in admixture with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, or the like.
[0277] The formulations to be used for in vivo administration are generally sterile. Sterility may be readily accomplished, e.g., by filtration through sterile filtration membranes.
5. Dose and Administration of anti-GPRC5D CAR T Cell Therapy
[0278] Among the provided embodiments are methods of administering and uses of, such as therapeutic and prophylactic uses of, anti-GPRC5D CAR T cell therapy. Such methods and uses include therapeutic methods and uses, for example, involving administration of the molecules (e.g., recombinant receptors), cells (e.g., engineered cells), or compositions containing the same, to a subject having a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D such as a disease, condition, or disorder associated with GPRC5D expression, and/or in which cells or tissues express, e.g., specifically express, GPRC5D. In some embodiments, the molecule, cell, and/or composition is/are administered in an effective amount to effect treatment of the disease or disorder. Provided herein are uses of the recombinant receptors (e.g., CARs), and cells (e.g., engineered cells) in such methods and treatments, and in the preparation of a medicament in order to carry out such therapeutic methods. In some embodiments, the methods are carried out by administering the binding molecules or cells, or compositions comprising the same, to the subject having, having had, or suspected of having the disease or condition. In some embodiments, the methods thereby treat the disease or condition or disorder in the subject. Also provided herein are use of any of the compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions provided herein, for the treatment of a disease or disorder associated with GPRC5D, such as use in a treatment regimen.
[0279] Methods for administration of cells for adoptive cell therapy are known and may be used in connection with the provided methods and compositions. For example, adoptive T cell therapy methods are described, e.g., in US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2003/0170238 to Gruenberg et al; US Patent No. 4,690,915 to Rosenberg; Rosenberg (2011) Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 8(10):577-85). See, e.g., Themeli et al. (2013) Nat Biotechnol. 31(10): 928-933; Tsukahara et al. (2013) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 438(1): 84-9; Davila et al. (2013) PLoS ONE 8(4): e61338.
[0280] In some embodiments, the methods include adoptive cell therapy, whereby genetically engineered cells expressing the provided recombinant receptors comprising a GPRC5D-binding molecule e.g., CARs comprising anti-GPRC5D antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof) are administered to subjects. Such administration can promote activation of the cells (e.g., T cell activation) in a GPRC5D-targeted manner, such that the cells of the disease or disorder are targeted for destruction.
[0281] In some embodiments, the methods include administration of the cells or a composition containing the cells to a subject, tissue, or cell, such as one having, at risk for, or suspected of having the disease, condition or disorder. In some embodiments, the cells, populations, and compositions are administered to a subject having the particular disease or condition to be treated, e.g., via adoptive cell therapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy. In some embodiments, the cells or compositions are administered to the subject, such as a subject having or at risk for the disease or condition. In some aspects, the methods thereby treat, e.g., ameliorate one or more symptom of the disease or condition, such as by lessening tumor burden in a GPRC5D-expressing cancer.
[0282] In some embodiments, the cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy, e.g., adoptive T cell therapy, is carried out by autologous transfer, in which the cells are isolated and/or otherwise prepared from the subject who is to receive the cell therapy, or from a sample derived from such a subject. Thus, in some aspects, the cells are derived from a subject, e.g., patient, in need of a treatment and the cells, following isolation and processing are administered to the same subject.
[0283] In some embodiments, the cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy, e.g., adoptive T cell therapy, is carried out by allogeneic transfer, in which the cells are isolated and/or otherwise prepared from a subject other than a subject who is to receive or who ultimately receives the cell therapy, e.g., a first subject. In such embodiments, the cells then are administered to a different subject, e.g., a second subject, of the same species. In some embodiments, the first and second subjects are genetically identical. In some embodiments, the first and second subjects are genetically similar. In some embodiments, the second subject expresses the same HLA class or supertype as the first subject. [0284] In some embodiments, the subject, to whom the cells, cell populations, or compositions are administered, is a primate, such as a human. In some embodiments, the subject, to whom the cells, cell populations, or compositions are administered, is a non-human primate. In some embodiments, the non-human primate is a monkey (e.g., cynomolgus monkey) or an ape. The subject can be male or female and can be any suitable age, including infant, juvenile, adolescent, adult, and geriatric subjects. In some embodiments, the subject is a nonprimate mammal, such as a rodent (e.g., mouse, rat, etc.). In some examples, the patient or subject is a validated animal model for disease, adoptive cell therapy, and/or for assessing toxic outcomes such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
[0285] The GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors (e.g., CARs) and cells expressing the same, can be administered by any suitable means, for example, by injection, e.g., intravenous or subcutaneous injections, intraocular injection, periocular injection, subretinal injection, intravitreal injection, trans-septal injection, subscleral injection, intrachoroidal injection, intracameral injection, subconjunctival injection, subconjunctival injection, sub-Tenon’s injection, retrobulbar injection, peribulbar injection, or posterior juxtascleral delivery. In some embodiments, they are administered by parenteral, intrapulmonary, and intranasal, and, if desired for local treatment, intralesional administration. Parenteral infusions include intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intracranial, intrathoracic, or subcutaneous administration. Dosing and administration may depend in part on whether the administration is brief or chronic. Various dosing schedules include but are not limited to single or multiple administrations over various time-points, bolus administration, and pulse infusion.
[0286] For the prevention or treatment of disease, the appropriate dosage of the binding molecule, recombinant receptor or cell may depend on the type of disease to be treated, the type of binding molecule or recombinant receptor, the severity and course of the disease, whether the binding molecule or recombinant receptor is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient’s clinical history and response to the recombinant receptor or cell, and the discretion of the attending physician. The compositions and molecules and cells are in some embodiments suitably administered to the patient at one time or over a series of treatments.
[0287] In some embodiments, the dose and/or frequency of administration is/are determined based on efficacy and/or response. In some embodiments, efficacy is determined by evaluating disease status. Exemplary methods for assessing disease status include: measurement of M protein in biological fluids, such as blood and/or urine, by electrophoresis and immunofixation; quantification of sFLC (K and X) in blood; skeletal survey; and imaging by positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in subjects with extramedullary disease. In some embodiments, disease status can be evaluated by bone marrow examination.
[0288] In some examples, dose and/or frequency of administration is determined by the expansion and persistence of the recombinant receptor or cell in the blood and/or bone marrow. In some embodiments, dose and/or frequency of administration is determined based on the antitumor activity of the recombinant receptor or engineered cell. In some embodiments antitumor activity is determined by the overall response rate (ORR) and/or International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Uniform Response Criteria (see Kumar et al. (2016) Lancet Oncol 17(8):e328-346). In some embodiments, response is evaluated using minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment. In some embodiments, MRD can be assessed by methods such as flow cytometry and high-throughput sequencing, e.g., deep sequencing. In some embodiments, response is evaluated based on the duration of response following administration of the recombinant receptor or cells. In some examples, dose and/or frequency of administration can be based on toxicity. In some embodiments, dose and/or frequency can be determined based on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the subject to which the recombinant receptor and/or cells is/are administered. In some embodiments, dose and/or frequency of administration can be changed, i.e., increased or decreased, based on any of the above criteria.
[0289] In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering a dose of the engineered cells or a composition comprising a dose of the engineered cells. In some embodiments, the engineered cells or compositions containing engineered cells can be used in a treatment regimen, wherein the treatment regimen comprises administering a dose of the engineered cells or a composition comprising a dose of the engineered cells. In some embodiments, the dose can contain, for example, a particular number or range of recombinant receptor-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), such as any number of such cells described herein. In some embodiments, a composition containing a dose of the cells can be administered. In some aspects, the number, amount or proportion of CAR-expressing cells in a cell population or a cell composition can be assessed by detection of a surrogate marker, e.g., by flow cytometry or other means, or by detecting binding of a labelled molecule, such as a labelled antigen, that can specifically bind to the binding molecules or receptors provided herein.
[0290] In certain embodiments, in the context of genetically engineered cells containing the binding molecules or recombinant receptors, a subject is administered the range of about one million to about 100 billion cells and/or that amount of cells per kilogram of body weight, such as, e.g., about 1 million to about 50 billion cells (e.g., about 5 million cells, about 10 million, about 12.5 million, about 15 million, about 20 million cells, about 25 million cells, about 500 million cells, about 1 billion cells, about 5 billion cells, about 20 billion cells, about 30 billion cells, about 40 billion cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values), such as about 10 million to about 100 billion cells (e.g., about 10 million cells, about 12.5 million cells, about 15 million cells, 20 million cells, about 25 million cells, about 30 million cells, about 40 million cells, about 50 million cells, about 60 million cells, about 70 million cells, about 80 million cells, about 90 million cells, about 10 billion cells, about 25 billion cells, about 50 billion cells, about 75 billion cells, about 90 billion cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values), and in some cases about 100 million cells to about 50 billion cells (e.g., about 120 million cells, about 150 million cells, about 250 million cells, about 300 million cells, about 350 million cells, about 450 million cells, about 500 million cells, about 600 million cells, about 650 million cells, about 800 million cells, about 900 million cells, about 1 billion cells, about 1.2 billion cells, or about 3 billion cells) or any value in between these ranges and/or per kilogram of body weight. Again, dosages may vary depending on attributes particular to the disease or disorder and/or patient and/or other treatments. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
[0291] In some embodiments, the provided methods implement flat dosing, e.g. total number of CAR+ cells, total number of CAR+CD8+ T cells and/or CAR+CD4+ T cells, such as to administer a precise or fixed dose of such cell type(s) to each of a group of subjects treated, including subjects of variable weight. Thus, the provided methods include methods in which the dose of cells is a flat dose of cells or fixed dose of cells such that the dose of cells is not tied to or based on the body surface area or weight of a subject. In some embodiments, such methods minimize or reduce the chance of administering too many cells to the subject, which may increase the risk of a toxic outcome associated with administration of the CAR-T cells.
[0292] In some embodiments, for example, where the subject is a human, the dose includes more than about 1 x 106 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fewer than about 2 x 109 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), e.g., in the range of about 2.5 x 107 to about 1.2 x 109 such cells, such as 2.5 x 107, 5 x 107, 7.5 x 107, 1.5 x 108, 3 x 108, 4.5 x 108, 8 x 108, or 1.2 x 109 total such cells, or the range between any two of the foregoing values. In some embodiments, for example, where the subject is a human, the dose includes more than about 1 x 106 total CAR- expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fewer than about 2 x IO9 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), e.g., in the range of about 1.0 x 107 to about 1.2 x 109 such cells, such as 1.0 x 107, 1.25 x 107, 1.5 x 107, 2.0 x 107, 2.5 x 107, 5 x 107, 7.5 x 107, 1.5 x 108, 2.25 x 108, 3 x 108, 4.5 x 108, 6.0 x 108, 8 x 108,or 1.2 x 109 total such cells, or the range between any two of the foregoing values. In some embodiments, for example, where the subject is a human, the dose includes more than about 1 x 106 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fewer than about 2 x 109 total CAR-expressing cells, T cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), e.g., in the range of about 1.0 x 107 to about 6.5 x 108 such cells, about 1.5 x 107 to about 6.0 x 108 such cells, about 1.5 x 107 to about 6.5 x 108 such cells, about 2.5 x 107 to about 6.0 x 108 such cells, or about about 5.0 x 107 to about 6.0 x 108 such cells. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
[0293] In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises between at or about 2.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and at or about 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, between at or about 5.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 4.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), between at or about 7.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 2.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, each inclusive. In some embodiments, the number is with reference to the total number of CD3+ or CD8+, in some cases also CAR-expressing (e.g. CAR+) cells. In some embodiments, the dose comprises a number of cell from or from about 2.5 x 107 to or to about 1.2 x 109 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 5.0 x 107 to or to about 4.5 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, or from or from about 7 x 107 to or to about 2.0 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+CAR-expressing cells, each inclusive. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of CD3+ CAR-expressing cells that are viable cells.
[0294] In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises between at or about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and at or about 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, between at or about 2.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 4.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), between at or about 7.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and at or about 2.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, total T cells, or total PBMCs, each inclusive. In some embodiments, the number is with reference to the total number of CD3+ or CD8+, in some cases also CAR-expressing (e.g. CAR+) cells. In some embodiments, the dose comprises a number of cell from or from about 1.0 x 107 to or to about 1.2 x 109 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 1.5 x 107 to or to about 1.2 x 109 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 2.5 x 107 to or to about 1.2 x 109 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 1.5 x 107 to or to about 8.0 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about
2.5 x 107 to or to about 8.0 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR- expressing cells, from or from about 1.5 x 107 to or to about 6.0 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 2.5 x 107 to or to about 6.0 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, from or from about 5.0 x 107 to or to about 6.0 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR- expressing cells, from or from about 5.0 x 107 to or to about 4.5 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+ CAR-expressing cells, or from or from about 7.0 x 107 to or to about 2.0 x 108 CD3+ or CD8+ total T cells or CD3+ or CD8+CAR-expressing cells, each inclusive. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
[0295] In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 2.5 x 107 CAR-expressing cells. In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises
7.5 x 107 CAR-expressing cells. In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 7.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 1.5 x 108 CAR-expressing cells. In some embodiments, the dose of genetically engineered cells comprises 1.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
[0296] In some embodiments, the T cells of the dose include CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells or CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
[0297] In some embodiments, for example, where the subject is human, the CD8+ T cells of the dose, including in a dose including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, includes between at or about 1 x 106 and at or about 2 x 109 total CAR-expressing CD8+cells, e.g., in the range of at or about 5 x 107 to at or about 4.5 x 108 such cells, such as at or about 2.5 x 107, at or about 5 x 107, at or about 7.5 x 107, at or about 1.5 x 108, at or about 3 x 108, at or about 4.5 x 108, at or about 8 x 108, or at or about 1.2 x 109 total such cells, or the range between any two of the foregoing values. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells. [0298] In the context of adoptive cell therapy, administration of a given “dose” of CAR- expressing cells encompasses administration of the given amount or number of cells as a single composition and/or single uninterrupted administration, e.g., as a single injection or continuous infusion, and also encompasses administration of the given amount or number of cells as a split dose or as a plurality of compositions, provided in multiple individual compositions or infusions, over a specified period of time, such as over no more than 3 days. Thus, in some contexts, the dose is a single or continuous administration of the specified number of cells, given or initiated at a single point in time. In some contexts, however, the dose is administered in multiple injections or infusions over a period of no more than three days, such as once a day for three days or for two days or by multiple infusions over a single day period.
[0299] Thus, in some aspects, the cells of the dose are administered in a single pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the cells of the dose are administered in a plurality of compositions, collectively containing the cells of the dose.
[0300] In some embodiments, the term “split dose” refers to a dose that is split so that it is administered over more than one day. This type of dosing is encompassed by the present methods and is considered to be a single dose.
[0301] Thus, the dose of cells may be administered as a split dose, e.g., a split dose administered over time. For example, in some embodiments, the dose may be administered to the subject over 2 days or over 3 days. Exemplary methods for split dosing include administering 25% of the dose on the first day and administering the remaining 75% of the dose on the second day. In other embodiments, 33% of the dose may be administered on the first day and the remaining 67% administered on the second day. In some aspects, 10% of the dose is administered on the first day, 30% of the dose is administered on the second day, and 60% of the dose is administered on the third day. In some embodiments, the split dose is not spread over more than 3 days.
[0302] In some embodiments, cells of the dose may be administered by administration of a plurality of compositions or solutions, such as a first and a second, optionally more, each containing some cells of the dose. In some aspects, the plurality of compositions, each containing a different population and/or sub-types of cells, are administered separately or independently, optionally within a certain period of time. For example, the populations or subtypes of cells can include CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively, and/or CD8+- and CD4+- enriched populations, respectively, e.g., CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells each individually including cells genetically engineered to express the recombinant receptor. In some embodiments, the administration of the dose comprises administration of a first composition comprising a dose of CD8+ T cells or a dose of CD4+ T cells and administration of a second composition comprising the other of the dose of CD4+ T cells and the CD8+ T cells.
[0303] In some embodiments, the administration of the dose, e.g., administration of the plurality of cell compositions, involves administration of the cell compositions separately. In some aspects, the separate administrations are carried out simultaneously, or sequentially, in any order. In particular embodiments, the separate administrations are carried out sequentially by administering, in any order, a first composition comprising a dose of CD8+ T cells or a dose of CD4+ T cells and a second composition comprising the other of the dose of CD4+ T cells and the CD8+ T cells. In some embodiments, the dose comprises a first composition and a second composition, and the first composition and second composition are administered within 48 hours of each other, such as no more than 36 hours of each other or not more than 24 hours of each other. In some embodiments, the first composition and second composition are administered 0 to 12 hours apart, 0 to 6 hours apart or 0 to 2 hours apart. In some embodiments, the initiation of administration of the first composition and the initiation of administration of the second composition are carried out no more than 2 hours, no more than 1 hour, or no more than 30 minutes apart, no more than 15 minutes, no more than 10 minutes or no more than 5 minutes apart. In some embodiments, the initiation and/or completion of administration of the first composition and the completion and/or initiation of administration of the second composition are carried out no more than 2 hours, no more than 1 hour, or no more than 30 minutes apart, no more than 15 minutes, no more than 10 minutes or no more than 5 minutes apart. In some embodiments, the first composition and the second composition are administered less than 2 hours apart.
[0304] In some composition, the first composition, e.g., first composition of the dose, comprises CD4+ T cells. In some composition, the first composition, e.g., first composition of the dose, comprises CD8+ T cells. In some embodiments, the first composition is administered prior to the second composition. In particular embodiments, the CD8+ T cells are administered prior to the CD4+ T cells.
[0305] In some embodiments, the dose or composition of cells includes a defined or target ratio of CD4+ cells expressing a recombinant receptor (e.g. CAR) to CD8+ cells expressing a recombinant receptor (e.g. CAR) and/or of CD4+ cells to CD8+ cells, which ratio optionally is approximately 1:1 or is between approximately 1:3 and approximately 3:1, such as approximately 1:1. In some aspects, the administration of a composition or dose with the target or desired ratio of different cell populations (such as CD4+:CD8+ ratio or CAR+CD4+:CAR+CD8+ ratio, e.g., 1:1) involves the administration of a cell composition containing one of the populations and then administration of a separate cell composition comprising the other of the populations, where the administration is at or approximately at the target or desired ratio. In some aspects, administration of a dose or composition of cells at a defined ratio leads to improved expansion, persistence and/or antitumor activity of the T cell therapy.
[0306] In some embodiments the cells administered are immune cells engineered to express the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptor, e.g., CAR. In some embodiments the immune cells are T cells. In some embodiments, the administered cells are CD4+ T cells. In some embodiments the administered cells are CD8+ T cells. In some embodiments, the administered cells are a combination of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, such as CAR T cells. In some examples the ratio of CD4+ cells to CD8+ cells (CD4:CD8) is 1:10, 1:9, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1.
[0307] In some embodiments, for example, where the subject is human, the CD8+ T cells of the dose, including in a dose including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, includes between at or about 1 x 106 and at or about 2 x 109 total recombinant receptor (e.g., CAR)-expressing CD8+cells, e.g., in the range of at or about 1 x 107 to at or about 4.5 x 108 such cells, such as at or about 1.0 x
107, at or about 1.25 x 107, at or about 1.5 x 107, at or about 2.0 x 107, at or about 2.5 x 107, at or about 5 x 107, at or about 7.5 x 107, at or about 1.5 x 108, at or about 3 x 108, at or about 4.5 x
108, at or about 6.0 x 108, at or about 8 x 108, or at or about 1.2 x 109 total such cells, or the range between any two of the foregoing values.
[0308] In some embodiments, exemplary doses include about 5.0 x 107, 7.5 x 107, 1.5 x 108, 3.0 x 108 or 4.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the exemplary dose is in a range of between 1.0 x 107 and 1.5 x 107, between 1.25 x 107 and 2.5 x 107, between 2.0 x 107, and 3.5 x 107, between 3.0 x 107 and 4.5x 107, between 4.0 x 107 and 7.5 x 107, between 5.0 x 107 and 2.25 x 108, between 1.5 x 108 and 4.5 x 108, or between 3.0 x 108 and 6.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells. In some embodiments, exemplary doses include about 1.0 x 107, 1.25 x 107, 1.5 x 107, 2.0 x 107, 2.0 x 107, 2.5 x 107, 3.0 x 107, 3.5 x 107, 4.0 x 107, 4.5x 107, 5.0 x 107, 7.5 x 107, 1.5 x 108, 2.25 x 108, 3.0 x 108, 4.5 x 108, or 6.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells. In some aspects, particular response to the treatment, e.g., according to the methods provided herein, can be assessed based on the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Uniform Response Criteria (see Kumar et al. (2016) Lancet Oncol 17(8):e328-346). In some embodiments, exemplary doses to achieve particular outcomes, such as OR, includes about 7.5 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells. In some embodiments, exemplary doses to achieve particular outcomes, such as OR, includes about 1.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells. In some embodiments, the number of cells is the number of such cells that are viable cells.
[0309] In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the CAR-expressing T cell composition is greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 90%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 95%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 96%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 97%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 98%. In some embodiments, the percentage of viable cells in the composition is greater than 99%.
[0310] In some embodiments, the dose of the cell therapy is the total number of viable CAR- expressing (CAR+) T cells. In some embodiments, the dose of the cell therapy is the total number of viable CD3+ CAR-expressing (CAR+) T cells.
[0311] In some embodiments, the dose of cells, e.g., recombinant receptor-expressing T cells, is administered to the subject as a single dose or is administered only one time within a period of two weeks, one month, three months, six months, 1 year or more. In some embodiments, the patient is administered multiple doses, and each of the doses or the total dose can be within any of the foregoing values.
[0312] In some embodiments, the engineered cells for administration or composition of engineered cells for administration, exhibits properties indicative of or consistent with cell health. In some embodiments, at or about or at least at or about 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90% CAR+ cells of such dose exhibit one or more properties or phenotypes indicative of cell health or biologically active CAR cell, such as absence expression of an apoptotic marker.
[0313] In particular embodiments, the phenotype is or includes an absence of apoptosis and/or an indication the cell is undergoing the apoptotic process. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death that includes a series of stereotyped morphological and biochemical events that lead to characteristic cell changes and death, including blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, chromosomal DNA fragmentation, and global mRNA decay. In some aspects, early stages of apoptosis can be indicated by activation of certain caspases, e.g., 2, 8, 9, and 10. In some aspects, middle to late stages of apoptosis are characterized by further loss of membrane integrity, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, include biochemical events such as activation of caspases 3, 6, and 7.
[0314] In particular embodiments, the phenotype is negative expression of one or more factors associated with programmed cell death, for example pro-apoptotic factors known to initiate apoptosis, e.g., members of the death receptor pathway, activated members of the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway, such as Bcl-2 family members, e.g., Bax, Bad, and Bid, and caspases. In certain embodiments, the phenotype is the absence of an indicator, e.g., an Annexin V molecule or by TUNEL staining, that will preferentially bind to cells undergoing apoptosis when incubated with or contacted to a cell composition. In some embodiments, the phenotype is or includes the expression of one or more markers that are indicative of an apoptotic state in the cell. In some embodiments, the phenotype is lack of expression and/or activation of a caspase, such as caspase 3. In some aspects, activation of caspase-3 is indicative of an increase or revival of apoptosis. In certain embodiments, caspase activation can be detected by known methods. In some embodiments, an antibody that binds specifically to an activated caspase (i.e., binds specifically to the cleaved polypeptide) can be used to detect caspase activation. In particular embodiments, the phenotype is or includes active caspase 3-. In some embodiments, the marker of apoptosis is a reagent that detects a feature in a cell that is associated with apoptosis. In certain embodiments, the reagent is an annexin V molecule.
[0315] In some embodiments, the compositions containing the engineered cells for administration contain a certain number or amount of cells that exhibit phenotypes indicative of or consistent with cell health. In some of any embodiments, less than about 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% of the CAR-expressing T cells in the dose of engineered T cells express a marker of apoptosis, optionally Annexin V or active Caspase 3. In some of any embodiments, less than 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% of the CAR-expressing T cells in the dose of engineered T cells express Annexin V or active Caspase 3.
[0316] Subjects administered the provided CAR-expressing T cells are monitored for adverse events including any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the T cell administration or the combination of the CAR-expressing T cells and a combination agent. Adverse events include clinical risks that have been observed in subjects treated with a monotherapy of the CAR-expressing T cells. Clinical risks associated with the administration of the CAR-expressing T cells may include, but are not limited to, cytokine release syndrome (CRS); neurologic toxicity; tumor lysis syndrome (TLS); infusion-related reaction; infections; hematologic toxicity (e.g., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia); second primary malignancy (SPM); macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; hair follicle, tongue, or skin inflammation; uncontrolled T-cell proliferation; replication-competent lentivirus; predominant clonal expansion and potential risk of insertional oncogenesis; advers reactions to excipients; graft versus host disease; and plasma-cell aplasia/hypogammaglobulinemia. Straegies for clinical risk mitigation include interruption and dose modification guidelines; prophylaxis, monitoring, and management of infection/toxicity; premdication, exclusion criteria; inclusion criteria; SPM surveillance; pause of the study; treatment with supportive care; and management as per institutional standard of care. In some embodiments, toxicity and/or side-effects of treatment can be monitored and used to adjust dose and/or frequency of administration of the CAR- expressing T cells, combinations, and/or compositions. For example, adverse events and laboratory abnormalities can be monitored and used to adjust dose and/or frequency of administration. Any of such events adverse events may establish dose-limiting toxicities and warrant decrease in dose and/or a termination of treatment.
[0317] Once the cells are administered to a mammal (e.g., a human), the biological activity of the engineered cell populations and/or antibodies in some aspects is measured by any of a number of known methods. Parameters to assess include specific binding of an engineered or natural T cell or other immune cell to antigen, in vivo, e.g., by imaging, or ex vivo, e.g., by ELISA or flow cytometry. In certain embodiments, the ability of the engineered cells to destroy target cells can be measured using any suitable method known in the art, such as cytotoxicity assays described in, for example, Kochenderfer et al., J. Immunotherapy, 32(7): 689-702 (2009), and Herman et al. J. Immunological Methods, 285(1): 25-40 (2004). In certain embodiments, the biological activity of the cells also can be measured by assaying expression and/or secretion of certain cytokines, such as CD 107a, IFNy, IL-2, and TNF. In some aspects the biological activity is measured by assessing clinical outcome, such as reduction in tumor burden or load.
[0318] In certain embodiments, engineered cells are modified in any number of ways, such that their therapeutic or prophylactic efficacy is increased. For example, the engineered CAR expressed by the population in some embodiments are conjugated either directly or indirectly through a linker to a targeting moiety. The practice of conjugating compounds, e.g., the CAR or TCR, to targeting moieties is known in the art. See, for instance, Wadwa et al., J. Drug Targeting, 3(2): 111 (1995), and U.S. Patent 5,087,616. [0319] In some embodiments, the methods also include, prior to administration of the T cell therapy, administration of a lymphodepleting therapy to the subject, e.g. such as cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, bendamustine, or combinations thereof.
[0320]
6. Pre-treatment Period
[0321] In some embodiments, the methods provided herein comprise a pre-treatment period. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment period comprises screening to determine subject eligibility, leukapheresis, bridging therapy, and lymphodepleting chemotherapy. a. Leukapheresis
[0322] In some embodiments, the cells for introduction of the recombinant receptor (e.g. CAR T cells, anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells) may be isolated from a sample, such as a biological sample, e.g., one obtained from or derived from a subject. In some embodiments, the subject from which the cell is isolated is one having the disease or condition or in need of a cell therapy or to which cell therapy will be administered. The subject in some embodiments is a human in need of a particular therapeutic intervention, such as the adoptive cell therapy for which cells are being isolated, processed, and/or engineered.
[0323] Accordingly, the cells in some embodiments are primary cells, e.g., primary human cells. The samples include tissue, fluid, and other samples taken directly from the subject, as well as samples resulting from one or more processing steps, such as separation, centrifugation, genetic engineering (e.g., transduction with viral vector), washing, and/or incubation. The biological sample can be a sample obtained directly from a biological source or a sample that is processed. Biological samples include, but are not limited to, body fluids, such as blood, plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, urine and sweat, tissue and organ samples, including processed samples derived therefrom.
[0324] In some aspects, the sample from which the cells are derived or isolated is blood or a blood-derived sample, or is or is derived from an apheresis or leukapheresis product. Exemplary samples include whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), leukocytes, bone marrow, thymus, tissue biopsy, tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, lymph node, gut associated lymphoid tissue, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, spleen, other lymphoid tissues, liver, lung, stomach, intestine, colon, kidney, pancreas, breast, bone, prostate, cervix, testes, ovaries, tonsil, or other organ, and/or cells derived therefrom. Samples include, in the context of cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy, samples from autologous and allogeneic sources.
[0325] In some embodiments, the provided methods involve leukapheresis of the subject approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy. In some embodiments, a leukapheresis collection is performed for each subject to obtain peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for the production of the CAR T cells (e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells).
[0326] In some embodiments, the subject may receive a bridging therapy after leukapheresis and before lymphodepleting chemotherapy. A treating physician can determine if bridging therapy is necessary, for example for disease control, during manufacturing of the provided composition or cells. In some embodiments, bridging therapies may not contain any experimental therapy. In some embodiments, bridging therapy may not include BCMA-targeted therapy. In some embodiments, bridging therapies are discontinued prior to initiation of lymphodepletion. In some embodiments, bridging therapies are discontinued 1 day, 2 days 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 45 days, or 60 days before lymphodepletion. In some embodiments, bridging therapy is discontinued at least 14 days before lymphodelpletion. In some embodiments, corticosteroid bridging therapy is discontinued at least 72 hours prior lymphodepletion. In some embodiments, subjects must have recovered from bridging therapy related toxicities to Grade < 2 (except for alopecia) prior to initiation of LD chemotherapy. b. Lymphodepletion Chemotherapy
[0327] In some embodiments, the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors (e.g. CAR T cells, anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells) is administered to the subject in combination with lymphodepletion chemotherapy.
[0328] Lymphodepleting chemotherapy is thought to improve engraftment and activity of recombinant receptor-expressing cells, such as CAR T cells. In some embodiments, lymphodepleting chemotherapy may enhance adoptively transferred tumor- specific T cells to proliferate in vivo through homeostatic proliferation (Grossman 2004, Stachel 2004). In some embodiments, chemotherapy may reduce or eliminate CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, which can suppress the function of tumor-targeted adoptively transferred T cells (Turk 2004). In some embodiments, lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to adoptive T-cell therapy may enhance the expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in the bone marrow, enhancing the homing of modified T cells to the primary tumor site through binding of SDF-1 with CXCR-4 expressed on the T-cell surface (Pinthus 2004). In some embodiments, lymphodepleting chemotherapy may further reduce the subject’s tumor burden and potentially lower the risk and severity of cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
[0329] In some embodiments, lymphodepletion is performed on a subject, e.g., prior to administering engineered cells, e.g., CAR-expressing cells, e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells. In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion comprises administering one or more of melphalan, Cytoxan, cyclophosphamide, and/or fludarabine. In some embodiments, a lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered to the subject prior to, concurrently with, or after administration (e.g., infusion) of engineered cells, e.g., CAR-expressing cells, e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells. In an example, the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered to the subject prior to administration of the engineered cells, e.g., CAR-expressing cells, e.g., anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells. In some embodiments the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered 1 to 10 days prior to administration of the engineered cells, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 days prior to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells, or at least 2 days prior, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days prior, to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered no more than 7 days prior, such as no more than 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 days prior, to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered 5, 4, and 3 days prior to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells. In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting chemotherapy is administered 4 and 3 days prior to the initiation of administration of the engineered cells. The number of days after lymphodepleting chemotherapy that the engineered cells are administered can be determined based on clinical or logistical circumstances. In some examples, dose adjustments or other changes to the lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen can implemented due to a subject’s health, such as the subject’s underlying organ function, as determined by the treating physician.
[0330] In some embodiments, lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprises administration of a lymphodepleting agent, such as cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, bendamustine, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the subject is administered cyclophosphamide once daily for one or two or three days. In some embodiments, where the lymphodepleting agent comprises cyclophosphamide, the subject is administered cyclophosphamide at a dose between or between about 100 mg/m2 and 500 mg/m2 body surface area of the subject, such as between or between about 200 mg/m2 and 400 mg/m2, or 250 mg/m2 and 350 mg/m2, inclusive. In some instances, the subject is administered about 300 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide. In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide can be administered in a single dose or can be administered in a plurality of doses, such as given daily, every other day or every three days. In some embodiments, cyclophosphamide is administered daily, such as for 1-5 days, for example, for 2 to 4 days. In some instances, the subject is administered about 300 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide, daily for 3 days, prior to initiation of the cell therapy.
[0331] In some embodiments, where the lymphodepleting agent comprises fludarabine, the subject is administered fludarabine at a dose between or between about 1 mg/m2 and 100 mg/m2 body surface area of the subject, such as between or between about 10 mg/m2 and 75 mg/m2, 15 mg/m2 and 50 mg/m2, 20 mg/m2 and 40 mg/m2, or 25 mg/m2 and 35 mg/m2, inclusive. In some instances, the subject is administered about 30 mg/m2 of fludarabine. In some embodiments, the fludarabine can be administered in a single dose or can be administered in a plurality of doses, such as given daily, every other day or every three days. In some embodiments, fludarabine is administered daily, such as for 1-5 days, for example, for 2 to 4 days. In some instances, the subject is administered about 30 mg/m2 of fludarabine, daily for 3 days, prior to initiation of the cell therapy.
[0332] In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting agent comprises a combination of agents, such as a combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. Thus, the combination of agents may include cyclophosphamide at any dose or administration schedule, such as those described above, and fludarabine at any dose or administration schedule, such as those described above. For example, in some aspects, the subject is administered fludarabine at or about 30 mg/m2, daily, and cyclophosphamide at or about 300 mg/m2, daily, for 3 days.
[0333] In some embodiments, antiemetic therapy, except dexamethasone or other steroids, may be given prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising a combination of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. In some embodiments, Mesna may be used for subjects with a history of hemorrhagic cystitis. In some embodiments, fludarabine is administered intravenously (IV) 30 mg/ m2 over 30 minutes. In some embodiments, cyclophosphamide is administered intravenously (IV) 300 mg/m2 over 60 minutes.
[0334] In some embodiments, the lymphodepleting agent comprises bendamustine. In some embodiments, the subject is administered bendamustine at a dose between or between about 50 mg/m2 and 130 mg/m2 body surface area of the subject, such as between or between about 60 mg/m2 and 120 mg/m2, 70 mg/m2 and 110 mg/m2, 80 mg/m2 and 100 mg/m2, or 85 mg/m2 and 95 mg/m2, inclusive. In some instances, the subject is administered about 90 mg/m2 of bendamustine. In some embodiments, the bendamustine can be administered in a single dose or can be administered in a plurality of doses, such as given daily, every other day or every three days. In some embodiments, bendamustine is administered daily, such as for 1-5 days, for example, for 2 to 4 days, for example, for 1 to 3 days. In some instances, the subject is administered about 90 mg/m2 of bendamustine, daily for 2 days, prior to initiation of the cell therapy.
[0335] In some embodiments, antiemetic therapy (except dexamethasone or other steroids), acetaminophen, hydration, and/or other pre-treatments per institutional practice may be given prior to lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising bendamustine. In some embodiments, bendamustine is administered intravenously (IV) 90 mg/ m2 per institutional practice.
B. Bispecific Antibody
[0336] In some embodiments, the GPRC5D-binding recombinant receptors (e.g., CAR) is administered to the subject in combination with administration of a bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a T cell engager. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager. In some embodiments, the BCMA-directed T cell engager binds to BCMA and CD3.
1 . Structure of Bispecific Antibody, Compositions, and Formulations
[0337] In some embodiments, the combination agent comprises a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a BCMA-directed T cell engager. In some embodiments, the BCMA/CD3 bispecific antibody may be, but is not limited to, Teclistamab (INN 10928; CAS No. 2119595-80-9), Elranatamab (INN 11838; CAS No. 2408850-14-4), Alnuctamab (INN 11457; CAS No. 2296827-07-9), Abbv-383, REGN5458 (also known as Linvoseltamab; INN 12104; CAS No. 2408319-25-3. See also, U.S. published Appl. No. US20200024356), REGN5459 (see e.g., U.S. published Appl. No. US20200024356, TNB383B, and Pavurutamab (CAS No. 2250292-39-6 and 2298375-18-3), the sequences of which are known to a skilled artisan including by the reference citations incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab (INN 11457; CAS No. 2296827-07-9).
[0338] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises one of more Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises one or more Fab fragments of an anti-CD3 antibody. In a specific embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody. The bispecific antibody as described herein include the bispecific antibody described in W02021092056, which is hereby incorporate by reference.
[0339] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody that binds to BCMA has a dissociation constant (Kd) of 108 M or less, preferably from 108 M to 1013 M, preferably from 109 M to 1013 M. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody binds to an epitope of BCMA that is conserved among BCMA from different species, preferably among human and cynomolgus, and in addition preferably also to mouse and rat BCMA.
[0340] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody further comprises an Fc portion. In some embodiments, the Fc is an IgGl Fc. In some embodiments, the Fc (e.g. an IgGl Fc) comprises a first Fc chain comprising first constant domains CH2 and CH3, and a second Fc chain comprising second constant domains CH2 and CH3. In some embodiments, the first CH3 domain comprises the modifications T366S, L368A and Y407V, or conservative substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the second CH3 domain comprises the modification T366W or conservative substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the Fc (i.e. an IgGl Fc) comprises the modifications L234A, L235A, and P329G. In some embodiments, the modifications D356E, and L358M. In some embodiments, the Fc (i.e. an IgGl Fc) comprises the modifications L234A, L235A, and P329G and the modifications D356E and L358M. In some embodiments, the Fc (i.e. an IgGl Fc) comprises the modifications L234A, L235A and P329G or the modifications D356E and L358M.
[0341] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a bivalent (the 1+1 format) antibody. In some embodiments, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab (i.e. when no Fc is present). In some embodiments, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab; Fc- BCMA Fab - CD3 Fab; or BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab (i.e. when an Fc is present). In a specific embodiment, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a bivalent (the 2+1 format) antibody. In some embodiments, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab - BCMA Fab; or BCMA Fab - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab (i.e. when no Fc is present). In some embodiments, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format: BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab; BCMA Fab - Fc - BCMA Fab - CD3 Fab; or CD3 Fab - Fc - BCMA Fab - BCMA Fab (i.e. when an Fc is present). In a specific embodiment, the bivalent bispecific antibody has the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab.
[0342] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a heavy chain variable (VH) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VH region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214, or contains a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 present in such a VH sequence.
[0343] In some embodiments, the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to Kabat numbering. In some embodiments, the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to Chothia numbering. In some embodiments, the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and/or CDR-H3 according to AbM numbering.
[0344] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that has a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 219, 225, 233, 238, and 240; (b) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 220, 226, 239 and 241; and (c) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 221.
[0345] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively.
[0346] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively.
[0347] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequence of a CDR-H1, a CDR-H2, and a CDR-H3 contained within the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214. In some embodiments, the anti- BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214. [0348] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antibody fragment comprising a VH region further comprises a light chain or a sufficient antigen binding portion thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof contains a VH region and a VL region, or a sufficient antigen-binding portion of a VH and VL region. In such embodiments, a VH region sequence can be any of the above described VH sequences. In some such embodiments, the antibody is an antigen-binding fragment, such as a Fab or an scFv. In some such embodiments, the antibody is a full-length antibody that also contains a constant region.
[0349] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a light chain variable (VL) region having the amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218, or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the VL region amino acid selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218, or contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 present in such a VL sequence.
[0350] In some embodiments, the VL region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to Kabat numbering. In some embodiments, the VL region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to Chothia numbering. In some embodiments, the VL region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and/or CDR-L3 according to AbM numbering.
[0351] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL region comprising a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 222, 227, 229, 231, and 235; (b) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 223, 228, 230, 232, and 236; and (c) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 224, 234, and 237.
[0352] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VL region comprising a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
[0353] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VL region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, or respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
[0354] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof contains a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively, contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218.
[0355] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a VH region amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214 and a VL region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218.
[0356] In some embodiments, the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises a CDR-H1, a CDR-H2, a CDR-H3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequences of CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 contained within the VH region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214; and comprises a CDR-L1, a CDR-L2, a CDR-L3, respectively, comprising the amino acid sequences of CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3, respectively contained within the VL region amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218.
[0357] In some embodiments, the VH region of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214 and the VL regions of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 215, 216, 217, or 218. In some embodiments, the VH and VL regions of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprise the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 216, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 217, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 218, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 211 and 216, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 212 and 216, respectively; SEQ ID NOs: 213 and 216, respectively; or SEQ ID NOs: 214 and 215, respectively; or any antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that has at least 90% sequence identity to any of the above VH and VL, such as at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity thereto.
Ill [0358] For example, the VH and VL regions of the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof provided therein comprise the amino acid sequences selected from: SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 216; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 217; SEQ ID NOs: 210 and 218; SEQ ID NOs: 211 and 216; SEQ ID NOs: 212 and 216; SEQ ID NOs: 213 and 216; and SEQ ID NOs: 214 and 215, respectively.
[0359] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 210; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
[0360] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 210; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:217. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217. [0361] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 210; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 218. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218.
[0362] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 211 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 211; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 211 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
[0363] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 212; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
[0364] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 213; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:216. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216.
[0365] In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 214 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 214; and contains a VL region comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:215. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a VH region that has a CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively and a VL region that has a CDRL1, a CDRL2 and a CDRL3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 214 and the VL region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215.
[0366] In some embodiments, the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a Fab, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243. In some embodiments, the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a Fab, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 244, 245, and 246, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 247, 248, and 249, respectively. In some embodiments, the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a Fab, comprises a VH amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity toSEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 243.
[0367] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a bivalent bispecific antibody comprising two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody, one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and one Fc portion. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is in the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA antibodies is a Fab fragment of any of the anti-BCMA antibodies described above. In some embodiments, the two anti-BCMA Fab fragments have the same sequence. In some embodiments, the anti-CD3 antibody is a Fab fragment of any of the antibodies described above.
[0368] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises heavy and light chain polypeptides comprising the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 252, and SEQ ID NO: 253 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 252, and SEQ ID NO: 253.
[0369] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is a bispecific antibody as described in WO 2017/021450 (e.g., Figure 2A) or W02021092056 (e.g., Figure 2A).
[0370] In some embodiments, the antibody is the bispecific antibody known as alnuctumab.
[0371] In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is provided as a composition or formulation, such as a pharmaceutical composition or formulation. Such compositions can be used in accord with the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some aspects, the choice of carrier is determined in part by the particular agent and/or by the method of administration. Accordingly, there are a variety of suitable formulations. For example, the pharmaceutical composition can contain preservatives. Suitable preservatives may include, for example, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, and benzalkonium chloride. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more preservatives is used. The preservative or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 2% by weight of the total composition. Carriers are described, e.g., by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980). Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are generally nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include, but are not limited to: buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and 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; and 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, and 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 polyethylene glycol (PEG).
[0372] Buffering agents in some aspects are included in the compositions. Suitable buffering agents include, for example, citric acid, sodium citrate, phosphoric acid, potassium phosphate, and various other acids and salts. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more buffering agents is used. The buffering agent or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 4% by weight of the total composition. Methods for preparing administrable pharmaceutical compositions are known. Exemplary methods are described in more detail in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 21st ed. (May 1, 2005).
[0373] The formulations can include aqueous solutions. The formulation or composition may also contain more than one active ingredient useful for the particular indication, disease, or condition being treated, where the respective activities do not adversely affect one another. Such active ingredients are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended. Thus, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further includes other pharmaceutically active agents or drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, e.g., asparaginase, busulfan, carboplatin, cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, paclitaxel, rituximab, vinblastine, vincristine, etc.
[0374] The pharmaceutical composition in some embodiments contains the bispecific antibody in an amount effective to treat the disease or condition, such as a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount. Therapeutic efficacy in some embodiments is monitored by periodic assessment of treated subjects. For repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on the condition, the treatment is repeated until a desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. However, other dosage regimens may be useful and can be determined. The desired dosage can be delivered by a single bolus administration of the composition, by multiple bolus administrations of the composition, or by continuous infusion administration of the composition.
[0375] The bispecific antibody may be administered using standard administration techniques, formulations, and/or devices. Provided are formulations and devices, such as syringes and vials, for storage and administration of the compositions. Formulations include those for oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, pulmonary, transdermal, intramuscular, intranasal, buccal, sublingual, or suppository administration. In some embodiments, the agent or cell populations are administered parenterally. The term “parenteral,” as used herein, includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, and intraperitoneal administration. In some embodiments, the agent is administered to a subject using peripheral systemic delivery by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection.
[0376] Compositions in some embodiments are provided as sterile liquid preparations, e.g., isotonic aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, or viscous compositions, which may in some aspects be buffered to a selected pH. Liquid preparations are normally easier to prepare than gels, other viscous compositions, and solid compositions. Additionally, liquid compositions are somewhat more convenient to administer, especially by injection. Viscous compositions, on the other hand, can be formulated within the appropriate viscosity range to provide longer contact periods with specific tissues. Liquid or viscous compositions can comprise carriers, which can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol) and suitable mixtures thereof.
[0377] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the cells in a solvent, such as in admixture with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, or the like.
[0378] The formulations to be used for in vivo administration are generally sterile. Sterility may be readily accomplished, e.g., by filtration through sterile filtration membranes.
2. Dosage Regimen of Bispecific Antibody
[0379] In some embodiments, the provided combination therapy methods involve administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 and a T cell therapy (e.g. CAR T cells). The bispecific antibody may be any as described in Section B.l. In some embodiments, the BCMA/CD3 bispecific antibody may be any one of, but is not limited to, Teclistamab, Elranatamab, Alnuctamab, Abbv-383, REGN5458, REGN5459, TNB383B, and Pavurutamab. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab. In some embodiments, the provided combination therapy methods involve initiation of the administration of the bispecific antibody antibody that binds BCMA and CD3 subsequent to initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells). In some embodiments, the administration of the bispecific antibody occurs 1 day to 8 months, 14 days to 7 months, or 28 days to 6 months after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells). In some embodiments, the provided combination therapy methods involve initiating a dosing regimen comprising administration of the bispecific antibody no earlier than 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, 60 days, 70 days, or 80 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells). In a specific embodiment, the dosing regimen comprising the administration of the bispecific antibody is initiated no earlier than 60 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells). In some embodiments, the provided combination therapy methods involve initiating a dosing regimen comprising of administration of the bispecific antibody at least about or at or about 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, 60 days, 70 days, or 80 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. CAR T cells). In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprising the administration of the bispecific antibody is initiated at least 60 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells). In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprising the administration of the bispecific antibody is initiated at or about 60 days after initiation of the T cell therapy (e.g. infusion of CAR T cells).
[0380] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises administration of the bispecific antibody no more than once a week, twice a week, three times a week, 4 times a week, 5 times a week, 6 times a week, or 7 times a week. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered once a week, twice a week, three times a week, 4 times a week, 5 times a week, 6 times a week, or 7 times a week. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered once a day. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered more than once a day. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody may be administered at different intervals in the course of treatment.
[0381] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises a series of treatment cycles. In some embodiments, the treatment cycles for the bispecific antibody are 28-day or monthly cycles. In some embodiments, the treatment cycles for the bispecific antibody are 28-day cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen for the bispecific antibody comprises one or more cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 28, 19, or 20 cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 20 cylces or more. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a maximum of 12 cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a maximum of 15 cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a maximum of 20 cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprising the treatment cycles is initiated no earlier than about 30, 60, 90, or 120 days after the initiation of the T cell therapy (infusion of CAR T cells). In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprising the treatment cycles is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the initiation of the T cell therapy (infusion of CAR T cells).
[0382] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a first treatment cycle (Cl) that is an escalating dosing regimen. In some embodiments, Cl comprises one or more phases comprising one or more dose levels of the bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, Cl comprises a starting phase. In some embodiments, Cl comprises an intermediate phase. In some embodiments, Cl comprises a maintenance phase. In some embodiments, the starting phase comprises administration of one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, the intermediate phase comprises administration of one or more intermediate doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, the maintenance phase comprises administration of one or more maintenance doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, each maintenance dose is greater than the one or more starting doses. In some embodiments, each intermediate dose is greater than the one or more starting doses. In some embodiments, each intermediate dose is less than each maintenance dose.
[0383] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a first cycle wherein the bispecific antibody is administered to the subject. In some embodiments, at least one dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least two doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least three doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least four doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, at least five doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, one dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, two doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, three doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, four doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle. In some embodiments, five doses of the bispecific antibody are administered in the first cycle.
[0384] In some embodiments, Cl comprises a starting phase which comprises administration of one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, the one or more starting dose is administered in the first week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more starting dose is administered in the second week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more starting dose is administered in the third week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more starting dose is administered in the fourth week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more starting dose is administered on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and/or Day 7 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more starting dose is administered on Day 1 of Cl. In some embodiments, a single starting dose is administered on Day 1 of Cl.
[0385] In some embodiments, Cl comprises an intermediate phase which comprises administration of one or more intermediate doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the first week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the second week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the third week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the fourth week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and/or Day 7 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, or Day 7 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 1 through Day 7, on Day 1 through Day 6, on Day 1 through Day 5, on Day 1 through Day 4, on Day 1 through Day 3, on Day 1 and Day 2, on Day 2 through Day 7, on Day 2 through Day 6, on Day 2 through Day 5, on Day 2 through Day 4, on Day 2 and Day 3, on Day 3 through Day 7, on Day 3 through Day 6, on Day 3 through Day 5, on Day 3 and Day 4, on Day 4 through Day 7, on Day 4 through Day 6, on Day 4 and Day 5, on Day 5 through Day 7, on Day 5 and Day 6, or on Day 6 and Day 7 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 3 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 5 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate dose is administered on Day 6 of Cl. In some embodiments, a single intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 of Cl.
[0386] In some embodiments, Cl comprises maintenance phase which comprises administration of one or more maintenance doses of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the first week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the second week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the third week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered in the fourth week of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, and/or on Day 28 of Cl. In some embodiments, Cl comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, Cl comprises the administration of three maintenance doses. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of Cl. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 22 of Cl.
[0387] In some embodiments, the starting phase comprises a starting dose of the bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the starting dose comprises a single starting dose. In some embodiments, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 1.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 3.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 3.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 2.5 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 2.0 mg, between about 1.0 mg and about 1.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 3.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 3.0 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 2.5 mg, between about 1.5 mg and about 2.0 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 3.5 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 3.0 mg, between about 2.0 mg and about 2.5 mg, between about 2.5 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 2.5 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 2.5 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 2.5 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 2.5 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 2.5 mg and about 3.5 mg, between about 2.5 mg and about 3.0 mg, between about 3.0 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 3.0 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 3.0 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 3.0 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 3.0 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 3.0 mg and about 3.5 mg, between about 3.5 mg and 6.0 mg, between about 3.5 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 3.5 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 3.5 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 3.5 mg and about 4.0 mg, between about 4.0 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 4.0 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 4.0 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 4.0 mg and about 4.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 5.5 mg, or between about 5.5 mg and about 6.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 1.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 2.0 mg. In some embodiments, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 3.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 4.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 5.0 mg. In some embodiment, the starting dose of the bispecific antibody is 6.0 mg.
[0388] In some embodiments, the intermediate phase comprises an intermediate dose of the bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the intermediate dose comprises a single intermediate dose. In some embodiments, the intermediate dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 1 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 3 mg and about 4.0 mg, between between about 4 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 4 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 7.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 5.5 mg, between about 4.5 mg and about 5.0 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 7.5 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 6.5 mg, between about 5.0 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about about 9.5 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 7.5 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 6.5 mg, between about 5.5 mg and about 6.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 7.5 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 7.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 6.5 mg, between about 7.0 mg and 10.0 mg, between about 7.0 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 7.0 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 7.0 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 7.0 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 7.0 mg and about 7.5 mg, between about 7.5 mg and 10.0 mg, between about 7.5 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 7.5 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 7.5 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 7.5 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and 10.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 8.5 mg, between about 8.5 mg and 10.0 mg, between about 8.5 mg and about 9.5 mg, between about 8.5 mg and about 9.0 mg, between about 9.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 9.0 mg and about 9.5 mg, or between about 9.5 mg and about 10.0 mg. In some embodiments, the intermediate dose of the bispecific antibody is 6.0 mg. In some embodiment, the intermediate dose of the bispecific antibody is 10.0 mg.
[0389] In some embodiments, the maintenance phase comprises a maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 3.0 mg and about 60.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 35.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 25.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 20.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 15.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and 45.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 35.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 25.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 20.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 15.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and 40.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 35.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 25.0 mg, between about 15.0 mg and about 20.0 mg, between about 20.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 20.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, between about 20.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 20.0 mg and 35.0 mg, between about 20.0 mg and about 30.0 mg, between about 20.0 mg and about 25.0 mg, between about 25.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 25.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, between about 25.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 25.0 mg and about 35.0 mg, between about 25.0 mg and 30.0 mg, between about 30.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 30.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, between about 30.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 30.0 mg and about 35.0 mg, between about 35.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 35.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, between about 35.0 mg and about 40.0 mg, between about 40.0 mg and about 50.0 mg, between about 40.0 mg and about 45.0 mg, and between about 45.0 mg and about 50.0 mg. In some embodiment, the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody is 10.0 mg. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody is 30.0 mg.
[0390] In some embodiments, the maintenance phase comprises a maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody is between about 6.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 12.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 10.0 mg, between about 6.0 mg and about 8.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and about 12.0 mg, between about 8.0 mg and 10.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 10.0 mg and about 12.0 mg, between about 12.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 12.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, between about 12.0 mg and about 14.0 mg, between about 14.0 mg and about 18.0 mg, between about 14.0 mg and about 16.0 mg, and between about 16.0 mg and about 18.0 mg. In a specific embodiment, the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody is 10.0 mg.
[0391] In some embodiments, Cl of the dosing regimen comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at a dose of about 3.0 mg on Day 1, about 6.0 mg on Day 4, and about 30.0 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
[0392] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises Cl and two or more successive treatment cycles. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen of the successive cycles comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject once a week (Q1W), every other week (Q2W), once per month (Q4W), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen of the successive cycles comprises administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the successive treatment cycles of the dosing regimen are characterized by reduced frequency administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
[0393] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises three successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises four successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises five successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises seven successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose. [0394] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3). In some embodiments, C2 of the dosing regimen comprises once weekly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C3 of the dosing regimen comprises once weekly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, both C2 and C3 of the dosing regimen comprise once weekly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
[0395] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C2. In some embodiments, C2 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C2 comprises the administration of four maintenance doses. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C2. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 of C2. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C2. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 22 of C2.
[0396] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C3. In some embodiments, C3 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C3 comprises the administration of four maintenance doses. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C3. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 of C3. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C3. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 22 of C3.
[0397] In some embodiments, C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22. In some embodiments, C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22. In some embodiments, C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22. In some embodiments, C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22.
[0398] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week (Q2W) dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises three successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises four successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises five successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises seven successive treatment cycles each comprising every other week dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0399] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a fourth treatment cycle (C4), a fifth treatment cycle (C5), and a sixth treatment cycle (C6). In some embodiments, C4 of the dosing regimen comprises every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C5 of the dosing regimen comprises every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C6 of the dosing regimen comprises every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C4, C5, and C6 of the dosing regimen comprise every other week administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
[0400] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C4. In some embodiments, C4 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C4 comprises the administration of two maintenance doses. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C4. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C4.
[0401] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C5. In some embodiments, C5 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C5 comprises the administration of two maintenance doses. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C5. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C5.
[0402] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C6. In some embodiments, C6 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C6 comprises the administration of two maintenance doses. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C6. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 15 of C6.
[0403] In some embodiments, C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, C4 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, C5 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15. In some embodiments, C6 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 10 mg on Days 1 and 15.
[0404] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing (Q4W) of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises two successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises three successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises four successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises five successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises seven successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises eight successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises nine successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises ten successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises eleven successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises twelve successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose. In a specific embodiment, the dosing regimen comprises six successive treatment cycles each comprising once monthly dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0405] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises a seventh treatment cycle (C7), an eigth treatment cycle (C8), a ninth treatment cycle (C9), a tenth treatment cycle (CIO), an eleventh treatment cycle (Cl 1), and a twelfth treatment cycle (C12). In some embodiments, C7 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C8 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C9 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, CIO of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, Cl l of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C12 of the dosing regimen comprises once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject. In some embodiments, C7, C8, C9, CIO, Cl l, and C12 of the dosing regimen comprise once monthly administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody to the subject.
[0406] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C7. In some embodiments, C7 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C7 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C7.
[0407] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C8. In some embodiments, C8 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C8 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C8.
[0408] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C9. In some embodiments, C9 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C9 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C9.
[0409] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of CIO. In some embodiments, CIO comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, CIO comprises the administration of one maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of CIO.
[0410] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of Cl 1. In some embodiments, Cl 1 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, Cl l comprises the administration of one maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of Cl l.
[0411] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1, on Day 2, on Day 3, on Day 4, on Day 5, on Day 6, on Day 7, on Day 8, on Day 9, on Day 10, on Day 11, on Day 12, on Day 13, on Day 14, on Day 15, on Day 16, on Day 17, on Day 18, on Day 19, on Day 20, on Day 21, on Day 22, on Day 23, on Day 24, on Day 25, on Day 26, on Day 27, or on Day 28 of C12. In some embodiments, C12 comprises one maintenance dose, two maintenance doses, three maintenance doses, four maintenance doses, five maintenance doses, six maintenance doses, seven maintenance doses, eight maintenance doses, nine maintenance doses, or ten maintenance doses. In some embodiments, C12 comprises the administration of one maintenance dose. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 1 of C12. [0412] In some embodiments, C7 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1. In some embodiments, C8 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1. In some embodiments, C9 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1. In some embodiments, CIO comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1. In some embodiments, Cl l comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1. In some embodiments, C12 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject at about 30 mg on Day 1.
[0413] In some embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises administration of the bispecific antibody to the subject for a maximum of 12 cycles.
[0414] The bispecific antibody can be administered by any suitable means, for example, by injection, e.g., intravenous or subcutaneous injections, intraocular injection, periocular injection, subretinal injection, intravitreal injection, trans-septal injection, subscleral injection, intrachoroidal injection, intracameral injection, subconjunctival injection, subconjunctival injection, sub-Tenon’s injection, retrobulbar injection, peribulbar injection, or posterior juxtascleral delivery. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody is administered orally, parenterally, intrapulmonary, and intranasal, and, if desired for local treatment, intralesional administration. Parenteral infusions include intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intracranial, intrathoracic, or subcutaneous administration. Various dosing schedules include but are not limited to single or multiple administrations over various timepoints, bolus administration, and pulse infusion. In a specific embodiment, the bispecific antibody is administered subcutaneously.
[0415] Subjects administered the bispecific antibody are monitored for adverse events including any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the administration of the bispecific antibody or the administration of the combination of the bispecific antibody and the T cell therapy e.g. CAR T cells, anti-GPRC5D CAR T cells) to the subject. Adverse events include clinical risks that have been observed in subjects treated with a monotherapy of the bispecific antibody. Clinical risks associated with the administration of the bispecific antibody may include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurologic toxicity, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), injection-site reaction, infections, hematologic toxicity (e.g., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia), teratogenicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and hemorrhage. Strategies for clinical risk mitigation include interruption and dose modification guidelines; prophylaxis, monitoring, and management of toxicity/injection-site reactions/infections; exclusion criteria; inclusion criteria; and pregnancy surveillance.
C. Response and Efficacy
[0416] In some embodiments, the administration of the combination in accord with the provided methods effectively treats the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another therapy. In some embodiments, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40% at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80%, of subjects treated according to the method achieve complete remission (CR). In some embodiments, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the subjects treated according to the method achieve an objective response (OR). In some embodiments, at least or at least about 50% of subjects, at least or at least about 60% of the subjects, at least or at least about 70% of the subjects, at least or at least about 80% of the subjects or at least or at least about 90% of the subjects treated according to the method achieve CR and/or achieve an objective response (OR). In some embodiments, criteria assessed for effective treatment includes overall response rate (ORR; also known in some cases as objective response rate), complete response (CR; also known in some cases as complete remission), complete response rate (CRR); duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and/or overall survival (OS).
[0417] In some embodiments, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of subjects treated according to the methods provided herein achieve complete remission (CR; also known in some cases as complete response), exhibit progression-free survival (PFS) and/or overall survival (OS) for greater than at or about 3 months, 6 months or 12 months or greater than 13 months or approximately 14 months. In some embodiments, on average, subjects treated according to the method exhibit a median PFS or OS of greater than at or about 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months. In some embodiments, the subject exhibits PFS or OS following therapy for at least at or about 6, 12, 18 or more months or longer.
[0418] In some embodiments, the subjects treated according to the provided methods exhibits a complete response rate (CRR) of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%. In some embodiments, the CRR is calculated as the percentage of subjects with the best overall response (BOR) up to 12 months, up to 18 months, up to 24 months, up to 36 months or longer.
[0419] In some embodiments, assessment of the multiple myeloma response in accordance with IMWG Uniform Response Criteria will be performed by the investigator and should be performed based on the results of a central laboratory (unless otherwise specified). In some embodiments, all treatment discontinuation decisions due to disease progression should be made by treating physicians based on response as assessed using results from central laboratories per the IMWG criteria, except for new or increase in bone lesions or soft tissue plasmacytomas. In some embodiments, per IMWG Uniform Response Criteria, all response categories and progressive disease require two consecutive assessments except for progressive disease identified by radiographic or bone marrow assessments. In some embodiments, during the study, participants may benefit from close clinical observation and multiple myeloma disease monitoring activities including, but not limited to, medical history and physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, frequent laboratory monitoring, bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies.
[0420] In some embodiments, assessment of response to therapy may involve the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as appropriate. In some aspects response assessment may be performed at baseline (e.g. prior to any of the methods provided herein), 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and/or 24 months following administration of the T cell therapy. In some aspects, response assessment is be performed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months following administration of the T cell therapy.
[0421] Imaging assessments may include a bone lesion assessment and/or an assessment of extramedullary plasmacytomas. In some embodiments, whole body 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) or whole-body MRI within 28 days prior to start of treatment is required for all subject. In some embodiments, bone lesion assessment using low dose CT or MRI will be performed on study if clinically indicated (development of compression fracture does not exclude response) and to confirm progressive disease. In some embodiments, if imaging is performed on treatment for assessment of progression, the site must use the same modality of imaging as used at Screening. In some embodiments, the number and location of skeletal lesions and whether they are lytic is recorded. In some embodiments, any on-treatment survey should record whether there is an increase in the number of lytic lesions.
[0422] In some embodiments, administration of the combination therapy to the subject may result in superior response rates and duration of response (DOR) compared with monotherapy of either component. In some embodiments, the measure of duration of response (DOR) includes the time from documentation of tumor response to disease progression. In some embodiments, the parameter for assessing response can include durable response, e.g., response that persists after a period of time from initiation of therapy. In some embodiments, durable response is indicated by the response rate at approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, or 48 months after initiation of therapy.
[0423] In some embodiments, the method reduces the burden of the disease or condition, e.g., number of tumor cells, size of tumor, duration of patient survival or event-free survival, to a greater degree and/or for a greater period of time as compared to the reduction that would be observed with a comparable method using an alternative dosing regimen, such as one in which the subject receives one or more alternative therapeutic agents, one in which the subject does not receive a dose of cells and/or a lymphodepleting agent in accord with the provided methods, one in which the subject receives a dose of cells without a combination agent (e.g., a bispecific antibody), and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions. In some aspects, survival of the subject, survival within a certain time period, extent of survival, presence or duration of event-free or symptom-free survival, or relapse-free survival, is assessed. In some embodiments, any symptom of the disease or condition is assessed. In some embodiments, the measure of disease or condition burden is specified.
[0424] In some embodiments, the overall survival rate of the subject is improved by the methods, as compared with other methods, for example, methods in which the subject receives one or more alternative therapeutic agents, one in which the subject does not receive a dose of cells and/or a lymphodepleting agent in accord with the provided methods, one in which the subject receives a dose of cells but does not receive a combination agent (e.g., a bispecific antibody), and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions. For example, in some embodiments, overall survival rate is greater than about 40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 90%, or greater than about 95%. In some embodiments, the time to progression is improved, such as a time to progression of greater than at or about 6 months, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 years.
[0425] In some embodiments, following treatment by the method, the probability of relapse is reduced as compared to other methods, for example, methods in which the subject receives one or more alternative therapeutic agents and/or one in which the subject does not receive a dose of cells and a combination agent (e.g., a bispecific antibody), and/or a lymphodepleting agent in accord with the provided methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions. For example, in some embodiments, the probability of relapse at 6 months following the first dose is less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, or less than about 10%.
D. Toxicity
[0426] In some embodiments, subjects treated according to any of the provided methods are assessed for one or more signs or symptoms of toxicity that may be associated with the administered cells or the combination agent. Administration of adoptive T cell therapy, such as treatment with T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors, can induce toxic effects or outcomes such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. In some examples, such effects or outcomes parallel high levels of circulating cytokines, which may underlie the observed toxicity.
1 . Cytokine Release Syndrome ( CRS )
[0427] In some aspects, the toxic outcome is or is associated with or indicative of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or severe CRS (sCRS). CRS, e.g., sCRS, can occur in some cases following adoptive T cell therapy and administration to subjects of combination agents. See Davila et al., Sci Transl Med 6, 224ra25 (2014); Brentjens et al., Sci. Transl. Med. 5, 177ra38 (2013).
[0428] In some embodiments, outcomes associated with CRS include one or more of: persistent fever, e.g., fever of a specified temperature, e.g., greater than at or about 38 degrees Celsius, for two or more, e.g., three or more, e.g., four or more days or for at least three consecutive days; fever greater than at or about 38 degrees Celsius; elevation of cytokines, such as a max fold change, e.g., of at least at or about 75, compared to pre-treatment levels of at least two cytokines (e.g., at least two of the group consisting of interferon gamma (IFNy), GM-CSF, IL-6, IL- 10, Flt-3L, fracktalkine, and IL-5, and/or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa), or a max fold change, e.g., of at least at or about 250 of at least one of such cytokines; and/or at least one clinical sign of toxicity, such as hypotension (e.g., as measured by at least one intravenous vasoactive pressor); hypoxia (e.g., plasma oxygen (PO2) levels of less than at or about 90%); and/or one or more neurologic disorders (including mental status changes, obtundation, and seizures). In some embodiments, neurotoxicity (NT) can be observed concurrently with CRS.
[0429] Exemplary CRS-related outcomes include increased or high serum levels of one or more factors, including cytokines and chemokines and other factors associated with CRS. Exemplary outcomes further include increases in synthesis or secretion of one or more of such factors. Such synthesis or secretion can be by the T cell or a cell that interacts with the T cell, such as an innate immune cell or B cell.
[0430] CRS criteria that appear to correlate with the onset of CRS to predict which patients are more likely to be at risk for developing sCRS have been developed (see Davilla et al. Science translational medicine. 2014;6(224):224ra25; Abramson et al., J Clin One.
2018;36(15_suppl):7505). Factors include fevers, hypoxia, hypotension, neurologic changes, elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as a set of seven cytokines (IFNy, IL-5, IL-6, IL- 10, Flt-3L, fractalkine, and GM-CSF) whose treatment-induced elevation can correlate well with both pretreatment tumor burden and sCRS symptoms. In some embodiments, the criteria reflective of CRS grade are those detailed in Table 2 below.
Figure imgf000139_0002
Figure imgf000139_0001
2. Neurotoxicity
[0431] In some aspects, the toxic outcome is or is associated with neurotoxicity. In some embodiments, symptoms associated with a clinical risk of neurotoxicity include, but not limited to, headache, mental status changes, confusion, word finding difficulty or aphasia, tremor, altered gait, dizziness, altered balance or vertigo, impaired arm or leg coordination, abnormal eye movements, and seizures. In some embodiments, neurologic symptoms may begin days to months after CAR T cell infusion and, in severe cases, may be life-threatening or fatal. In some embodiments, severe cases may require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for frequent monitoring, respiratory support, or intubation for airway protection. In some embodiments, neurologic examination, including Immune effector Cell-associated Encephalopathy (ICE) Assessment Tool, is required. In some embodiments, the grading system for neurotoxicity is shown below in Tables 3 and 4.
Table 3: ASTCT Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS)
Grading for Adults
Figure imgf000140_0001
Table 4: ICE - Encephalopathy Assessment Tools for Grading of ICANS
Figure imgf000140_0002
[0432] In some embodiments, one or more interventions or agents for treating the toxicity, such as a toxicity-targeting therapies, is administered at a time at which or immediately after which the subject is determined to or confirmed to (such as is first determined or confirmed to) exhibit sustained fever, for example, as measured according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. In some embodiments, the one or more toxicity-targeting therapies is administered within a certain period of time of such confirmation or determination, such as within 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, or 8 hours thereof.
[0433] In some embodiments, the resulting response observed in subjects treated in accord with the provided methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions, is associated with or results in a low risk of any toxicity or a low risk of severe toxicity in a majority of the subjects treated. In some embodiments, greater than or greater than about 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60% , 70%, 80%, or 90% or more of the subjects treated according to the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions do not exhibit any grade of CRS or any grade of neurotoxicity (NT). In some embodiments, greater than or greater than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more of the subjects treated according to the provided methods and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions do not exhibit severe CRS or grade 3 or higher CRS. In some embodiments, greater than or greater than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% or more of the subjects treated according to the provided methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions, do not exhibit severe neurotoxicity or grade 3 or higher neurotoxicity, such as grade 4 neurotoxicity.
[0434] In some embodiments, at least at or about 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of subjects treated according to the method and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions do not exhibit early onset CRS or neurotoxicity and/or do not exhibit onset of CRS earlier than 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or 4 days following initiation of the administration. In some embodiments, at least at or about 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of subjects treated according to the methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions, do not exhibit onset of neurotoxicity earlier than 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, six days or 7 days following initiation of the administration. In some aspects, the median onset of neurotoxicity among subjects treated according to the methods, and/or with the provided articles of manufacture or compositions, is at or after the median peak of, or median time to resolution of, CRS in subjects treated according to the method. In some cases, the median onset of neurotoxicity among subjects treated according to the method is greater than at or about 8, 9, 10, or 11 days.
3. T umor Lysis Syndrome
[0435] In some embodiments, treatment with cytolytic cancer therapies in the setting of high tumor burden may cause rapid tumor lysis and associated electrolyte and renal disturbance with risk of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is manifested by rapid release of large amounts of potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids into the circulation with associated hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia. Precipitation of uric acid and calcium phosphate crystals in the renal tubules can result in acute kidney injury and electrolyte disturbances and can trigger cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and sudden death.
[0436] In some embodiments, subject with laboratory abnormalities suspicious for TLS are be managed with hypouricemic agents (eg, allopurinol and/or rasburicase), IV hydration, and diuretics as necessary to maintain urine output, and correction of hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, according to standard medical practice. In subjects with laboratory evidence of TLS, the following interventions may be considered at the investigator’s discretion: serial serum chemistry measurements every 6 to 8 hours until the resolution of laboratory evidence of TLS; intravenous hydration with an isotonic solution (normal saline or Lactated Ringer’s solution) of 2 to 3 L/m2 daily to achieve a urine output of at least 80 to 100 mL/m2 per hour; a loop diuretic may be used to maintain urine output if there is no evidence of acute obstructive uropathy and/or hypovolemia; rasburicase (dosing per institutional guidelines) may be considered in participants who develop hyperuricemia (uric acid levels > 8 mg/dL). Additional medications required to correct electrolyte abnormalities (such as infusions of glucose/insulin, calcium gluconate, oral phosphate binders, and others) may be given. In some embodiments, if acute kidney injury occurs, renal dialysis should be considered in consultation with a nephrologist. In some embodiments, subjects with laboratory abnormalities suspicious for clinically significant TLS should be hospitalized.
II. Articles of Manufacture and Kits
[0437] Also provided are articles of manufacture containing a combination agent, e.g., a bispecific antibody, and components for the cell therapy, e.g., a T cell therapy, e.g. CAR T cells, and/or compositions thereof. The articles of manufacture may include a container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, IV solution bags, etc. The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic. The container in some embodiments holds a composition which is by itself or combined with another composition effective for treating, preventing and/or diagnosing the condition. In some embodiments, the container has a sterile access port. Exemplary containers include an intravenous solution bags, vials, including those with stoppers pierceable by a needle for injection, or bottles or vials for orally administered agents. The label or package insert may indicate that the composition is used for treating a disease or condition.
[0438] The article of manufacture may include (a) a first container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition includes the engineered cells used for the cell therapy, e.g. an engineered T cell therapy; and (b) a second container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition includes the combination agent, e.g., a bispecific antibody.
[0439] In some embodiments, the first container comprises a first composition and a second composition, wherein the first composition comprises a first population of the engineered cells used for the immunotherapy, e.g., CD4+ T cell therapy, and the second composition comprises a second population of the engineered cells, wherein the second population may be engineered separately from the first population, e.g., CD8+ T cell therapy. In some embodiments, the first and second cell compositions contain a defined ratio of the engineered cells, e.g., CD4+ and CD8+ cells (e.g., 1:1 ratio of CD4+:CD8+ CAR+ T cells).
[0440] In some embodiments, the first container comprises a first composition, a second composition, and a third composition, wherein the first composition comprises a first population of the engineered cells used for the immunotherapy, e.g., CD4+ T cell therapy, the second composition comprises a second population of the engineered cells, wherein the second population may be engineered separately from the first population, e.g., CD8+ T cell therapy, and the third composition comprises a combination agent (e.g. a bispecific antibody). In some embodiments, the first and second cell compositions contain a defined ratio of the engineered cells, e.g., CD4+ and CD8+ cells (e.g., 1:1 ratio of CD4+:CD8+ CAR+ T cells).
[0441] The article of manufacture may further include a package insert indicating that the compositions can be used to treat a particular condition. Alternatively, or additionally, the article of manufacture may further include another or the same container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer. It may further include other materials such as other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and/or syringes. III. Definitions
[0442] Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and other technical and scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art.
[0443] As used herein, reference to a “corresponding form” of an antibody means that when comparing a property or activity of two antibodies, the property is compared using the same form of the antibody. For example, if it is stated that an antibody has greater activity compared to the activity of the corresponding form of a first antibody, that means that a particular form, such as an scFv of that antibody, has greater activity compared to the scFv form of the first antibody.
[0444] The term “Fc region” herein is used to define a C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain that contains at least a portion of the constant region. The term includes native sequence Fc regions and variant Fc regions. In one embodiment, a human IgG heavy chain Fc region extends from Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus of the heavy chain. However, the C-terminal lysine (Lys447) of the Fc region may or may not be present. Unless otherwise specified herein, numbering of amino acid residues in the Fc region or constant region is according to the EU numbering system, also called the EU index, as described in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 1991.
[0445] The terms “full length antibody,” “intact antibody,” and “whole antibody” are used herein interchangeably to refer to an antibody having a structure substantially similar to a native antibody structure or having heavy chains that contain an Fc region as defined herein.
[0446] An “isolated” antibody is one which has been separated from a component of its natural environment. In some embodiments, an antibody is purified to greater than 95% or 99% purity as determined by, for example, electrophoretic (e.g., SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF), capillary electrophoresis) or chromatographic (e.g., ion exchange or reverse phase HPLC). For review of methods for assessment of antibody purity, see, e.g., Flatman et al., J. Chromatogr. B 848:79-87 (2007).
[0447] An “isolated” nucleic acid refers to a nucleic acid molecule that has been separated from a component of its natural environment. An isolated nucleic acid includes a nucleic acid molecule contained in cells that ordinarily contain the nucleic acid molecule, but the nucleic acid molecule is present extrachromosomally or at a chromosomal location that is different from its natural chromosomal location.
[0448] ‘ ‘Isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-GPRC5D antibody” refers to one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding antibody heavy and light chains (or fragments thereof), including such nucleic acid molecule(s) in a single vector or separate vectors, and such nucleic acid molecule(s) present at one or more locations in a host cell.
[0449] The terms “host cell,” “host cell line,” and “host cell culture” are used interchangeably and refer to cells into which exogenous nucleic acid has been introduced, including the progeny of such cells. Host cells include “transformants” and “transformed cells,” which include the primary transformed cell and progeny derived therefrom without regard to the number of passages. Progeny may not be completely identical in nucleic acid content to a parent cell, but may contain mutations. Mutant progeny that have the same function or biological activity as screened or selected for in the originally transformed cell are included herein.
[0450] The terms “polypeptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably to refer to a polymer of amino acid residues, and are not limited to a minimum length. Polypeptides, including the antibodies and antibody chains and other peptides, e.g., linkers, may include amino acid residues including natural and/or non-natural amino acid residues. The terms also include post-expression modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylation, sialylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and the like. In some aspects, the polypeptides may contain modifications with respect to a native or natural sequence, as long as the protein maintains the desired activity. These modifications may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis, or may be accidental, such as through mutations of hosts which produce the proteins or errors due to PCR amplification.
[0451] As used herein, “percent (%) amino acid sequence identity” and “percent identity” and “sequence identity” when used with respect to an amino acid sequence (reference polypeptide sequence) is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence e.g., the subject antibody or fragment) that are identical with the amino acid residues in the reference polypeptide sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR) software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for aligning sequences, including any algorithms needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full length of the sequences being compared.
[0452] An amino acid substitution may include replacement of one amino acid in a polypeptide with another amino acid. Amino acid substitutions may be introduced into a binding molecule, e.g., antibody, of interest and the products screened for a desired activity, e.g., retained/improved antigen binding, or decreased immunogenicity.
[0453] Amino acids generally can be grouped according to the following common sidechain properties:
(1) hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Vai, Leu, He;
(2) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gin;
(3) acidic: Asp, Glu;
(4) basic: His, Lys, Arg;
(5) residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro;
(6) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe.
[0454] Non-conservative amino acid substitutions will involve exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.
[0455] The term “vector,” as used herein, refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of propagating another nucleic acid to which it is linked. The term includes the vector as a selfreplicating nucleic acid structure as well as the vector incorporated into the genome of a host cell into which it has been introduced. Certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of nucleic acids to which they are operatively linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as “expression vectors.”
[0456] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.” It is understood that aspects, embodiments, and variations described herein include “comprising,” “consisting,” and/or “consisting essentially of’ aspects, embodiments and variations.
[0457] Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the claimed subject matter are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the claimed subject matter. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the claimed subject matter, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the claimed subject matter. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
[0458] The term “about” as used herein refers to the usual error range for the respective value readily known to the skilled person in this technical field. Reference to “about” a value or parameter herein includes (and describes) embodiments that are directed to that value or parameter per se. For example, description referring to “about X” includes description of “X”.
[0459] As used herein, a “composition” refers to any mixture of two or more products, substances, or compounds, including cells. It may be a solution, a suspension, liquid, powder, a paste, aqueous, non-aqueous or any combination thereof.
[0460] As used herein, a statement that a cell or population of cells is “positive” for a particular marker refers to the detectable presence on or in the cell of a particular marker, typically a surface marker. When referring to a surface marker, the term refers to the presence of surface expression as detected by flow cytometry, for example, by staining with an antibody that specifically binds to the marker and detecting said antibody, wherein the staining is detectable by flow cytometry at a level substantially above the staining detected carrying out the same procedure with an isotype-matched control under otherwise identical conditions and/or at a level substantially similar to that for cell known to be positive for the marker, and/or at a level substantially higher than that for a cell known to be negative for the marker.
[0461] As used herein, a statement that a cell or population of cells is “negative” for a particular marker refers to the absence of substantial detectable presence on or in the cell of a particular marker, typically a surface marker. When referring to a surface marker, the term refers to the absence of surface expression as detected by flow cytometry, for example, by staining with an antibody that specifically binds to the marker and detecting said antibody, wherein the staining is not detected by flow cytometry at a level substantially above the staining detected carrying out the same procedure with an isotype-matched control under otherwise identical conditions, and/or at a level substantially lower than that for cell known to be positive for the marker, and/or at a level substantially similar as compared to that for a cell known to be negative for the marker.
IV. Exemplary Embodiments
[0462] Among the provided embodiments are:
[0463] Embodiment 1. A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising:
[0464] (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and
[0465] (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3.
[0466] Embodiment 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy.
[0467] Embodiment 3. The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
[0468] Embodiment 4. The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
[0469] Embodiment 5. The method of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein at least one fixed dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in an amount between 1 mg and 50 mg.
[0470] Embodiment 6. The method of any one of embodiments 2-5, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle.
[0471] Embodiment 7. The method of embodiment 6, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day cycle.
[0472] Embodiment 8. The method of any of embodiments 2-7, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises a first treatment cycle (Cl) that is an escalating dosing regimen comprising one or more starting dose and one or more maintenance dose, wherein the maintenance dose is greater than the starting dose. [0473] Embodiment 9. The method of embodiment 8, wherein Cl further comprises one or more intermediate dose, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose and less than the maintenance dose.
[0474] Embodiment 10. A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising:
[0475] (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and
[0476] (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 in a dosing regimen that is initiated after the CAR-T cell administration;
[0477] wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day treatment cycle, and wherein the first treatment cycle (Cl) is an escalating dosing regimen comprising:
[0478] (i) a starting phase, wherein one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject;
[0479] (ii) an intermediate phase, wherein one or more intermediate doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose; and
[0480] (iii) a maintenance phase, wherein one or more maintenance doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject, wherein each maintenance dose is greater than the intermediate dose.
[0481] Embodiment 11. The method of embodiment 10, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
[0482] Embodiment 12. The method of embodiment 10, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
[0483] Embodiment 13. The method of any one of embodiments 10-12, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is 28 days to 6 months after administering the CAR-T cell therapy to the subject. [0484] Embodiment 14. The method of any one of embodiments 10-13, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is no earlier than 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
[0485] Embodiment 15. The method of any of embodiments 10-14, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific is at or about 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
[0486] Embodiment 16. The method of any of embodiments 10-15, wherein the starting phase comprises a single starting dose.
[0487] Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 8 and 10-16, wherein the starting dose is about 1.0 mg to 6 mg.
[0488] Embodiment 18. The method of any of embodiments 8 and 10-17, wherein the starting dose is about 3 mg.
[0489] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 9-18, wherein the intermediate phase comprises a single intermediate dose.
[0490] Embodiment 20. The method of any one of embodiments 9-19, wherein the intermediate dose is about 4.5 mg to 10 mg.
[0491] Embodiment 21. The method of any one of embodiments 9-20, wherein the intermediate dose is about 6.0 mg.
[0492] Embodiment 22. The method of any of embodiments 8-21, wherein the maintenance dose is from about 6 mg to about 50 mg.
[0493] Embodiment 23. The method of any one of embodiments 8-22, wherein the maintenance dose is a about 25.0 mg to 35.0 mg.
[0494] Embodiment 24. The method of any of embodiments 8-23, wherein the maintenance dose is about 30 mg.
[0495] Embodiment 25. The method of any one of embodiments 8-21, wherein the maintenance dose is a about 6 mg to 18 mg.
[0496] Embodiment 26. The method of any one of embodiments 8-21 and 25, wherein the maintenance dose is about 10 mg.
[0497] Embodiment 27. The method of any one of embodiments 8-26, wherein the one or more starting dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
[0498] Embodiment 28. The method of any one of embodiments 8-27, wherein a single starting dose is administered on Day 1 (DI) of Cl.
[0499] Embodiment 29. The method of any one of embodiments 9-28, wherein the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the first week of Cl. [0500] Embodiment 30. The method of any one of embodiments 9-29, wherein a single intermediate dose is administered on one of Days 3-6 of Cl.
[0501] Embodiment 31. The method of any one of embodiments 9-30, wherein the single intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 (D4) of Cl.
[0502] Embodiment 32. The method of any one of embodiments 8-28, wherein in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered once weekly after the first week.
[0503] Embodiment 33. The method of any one of embodiments 8-32, wherein in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 (D8), Day 15 (D15) and Day 22 (D22).
[0504] Embodiment 34. The method of any one of embodiments 8-33, wherein in Cl the bispecific antibody is administered at about 3 mg on Day 1, about 6 mg on Day 4, and about 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
[0505] Embodiment 35. The method of any one of embodiments 8-34, wherein the dosing regimen further comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing (Q1W) of the maintenance dose.
[0506] Embodiment 36. The method of embodiment 35, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 2-4 once weekly treatment cycles.
[0507] Embodiment 37. The method of any one of embodiments 8-36, wherein the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0508] Embodiment 38. The method of any one of embodiments 8-36, wherein the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3), wherein each of C2 and C3 are characterized by once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0509] Embodiment 39. The method of embodiment 37 and embodiment 38, wherein the once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
[0510] Embodiment 40. The method of embodiment 38, wherein C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
[0511] Embodiment 41. The method of any one of embodiments 35-40, wherein after the once monthly treatment cycles, the dosing regimen comprises one or more additional treatment cycles characterized by reduced frequency administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody. [0512] Embodiment 42. The method of embodiment 41, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise every other week dosing (Q2W), once monthly dosing (Q4W) or combinations thereof.
[0513] Embodiment 43. The method of embodiment 41 or embodiment 42, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise one or more treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0514] Embodiment 44. The method of embodiment 41, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 2-6 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0515] Embodiment 45. The method of any of embodiments 42-44, wherein the Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1 and 15.
[0516] Embodiment 46. The method of any one of embodiments 41-45, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles further comprise one or more Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose after the one or more Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0517] Embodiment 47. The method of any one of embodiments 41-46, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 4-10 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose.
[0518] Embodiment 48. The method of any of embodiments 41-47, wherein the Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Day 1 of each cycle.
[0519] Embodiment 49. The method of any one of embodiments 1-48, wherein the subjects are administered the bispecific antibody for a maximum of 12 treatment cycles.
[0520] Embodiment 50. A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising: (1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); (2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the CAR T cell administration and is characterized by 12 treatment cycles that are each 28 days; wherein:
(i) the first treatment cycle of the bispecific antibody administration comprises administration of 3 mg on Day 1, 6 mg on Day 4, and 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22;
(ii) the second and third treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22; (iii) the fourth , fifth, and sixth treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1 and 15;
(iv) the 7-12 treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Day 1.
[0521] Embodiment 51. The method of any one of embodiments 1-50, wherein the bispecific antibody is administered subcutaneously.
[0522] Embodiment 52. The method of any one of embodiments 1-51, wherein the bispecific antibody is a trivalent bispecific antibody comprising two Fab fragments of an anti- BCMA antibody, one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and one Fc portion.
[0523] Embodiment 53. The method of any one of embodiments 1-52, wherein the bispecific antibody is in the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab.
[0524] Embodiment 54. The method of any one of embodiments 1-53, wherein the anti- BCMA Fab comprises:(a) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a light chain variable region (VE) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VE sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218; (d) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 211, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (e) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (f) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; or (g) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 214, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215.
[0525] Embodiment 55. The method of any one of embodiments 1-54, wherein the anti- BCMA Fab comprises: (a) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively; (b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively; (c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively; (d) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; (e) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; (f) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; or (g) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
[0526] Embodiment 56. The method of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the anti- CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243.
[0527] Embodiment 57. The method of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the anti- CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 244, 245, and 246, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 247, 248, and 249, respectively.
[0528] Embodiment 58. The method of any one of embodiments 1-57, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises a first VH region, a first VL region, a second VH region, and a second VL region.
[0529] Embodiment 59. The method of any one of embodiments 1-58, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises wherein the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253. [0530] Embodiment 60. The method of any one of embodiments 1-59, wherein the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab.
[0531] Embodiment 61. The method of any one of embodiments 1-60, wherein the CAR comprises (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), (2) an immunoglobulin hinge spacer of at least 125 amino acids in length; (3) a transmembrane domain; and (4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and a costimulatory signaling region, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:2; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 116; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOG or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NOG; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOG or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NOG; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOG or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NOG; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 117; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:6; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 118; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:8; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID N0:9; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 10; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 9; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 120; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 12; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 121; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14; or the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 122.
[0532] Embodiment 62. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:50, 51 and 47, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:55, 56 and 57, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 80, 81 and 77, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:85, 86 and 87, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:80, 94 and 91, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:97, 98 and 99, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 107, 108 and 104, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26, 113, respectively; or the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 109, 110 and 111, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 114, 29 and 123, respectively. [0533] Embodiment 63. The method of embodiment 61 or 62, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region wherein: the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 118, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 119, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 120, respective; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121, respectively; or
[0534] the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14 or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 122, respectively, respectively.
[0535] Embodiment 64. The method of any of embodiments 61-63, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively; or the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 80, 94 and 91, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:97, 98 and 99, respectively. [0536] Embodiment 65. The method of any of embodiments 61-64, wherein: the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 119, respectively; or the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121, respectively.
[0537] Embodiment 66. The method of any of embodiments 61-65, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119.
[0538] Embodiment 67. The method of any of embodiments 61-66, wherein the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively.
[0539] Embodiment 68. The method of any of embodiments 61-67, wherein the single chain antibody fragment is or comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv).
[0540] Embodiment 69. The method of any of embodiments 61-68, when the VH region and the VL region are joined by a flexible linker.
[0541] Embodiment 70. The method of embodiment 69, wherein the linker comprises the amino acid sequence GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 127).
[0542] Embodiment 71. The method of any of embodiments 61-70, wherein the VH region is carboxy-terminal to the VL region.
[0543] Embodiment 72. The method of any of embodiments 61-71, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141.
[0544] Embodiment 73. The method of any of embodiments 61-72, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
[0545] Embodiment 74. The method of any of embodiments 61-73, wherein the spacer comprises a sequence of a hinge region, a CH2 and CH3 region.
[0546] Embodiment 75. The method of any of embodiments 61-74, wherein the spacer comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge region or a modified IgG4 hinge region comprising at least one amino acid replacement compared to a human IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region.
[0547] Embodiment 76. The method of any of embodiments 61-75, wherein the spacer is or comprises (i) the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162; (ii) a functional variant of SEQ ID NO: 162 that has at least at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162; or (iii) a contiguous portion of (i) or (ii) that is at least 125 amino acids in length.
[0548] Embodiment 77. The method of any one of embodiments 61-76, wherein the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
[0549] Embodiment 78. The method of any of embodiments 61-77, wherein the cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3^ comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176.
[0550] Embodiment 79. The method of embodiment 78, wherein the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of CD28, 4- IBB, or ICOS, or a signaling portion thereof.
[0551] Embodiment 80. The chimeric antigen receptor of any of embodiments 78 or 79, wherein the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of 4- 1BB.
[0552] Embodiment 81. The method of any of embodiments 78-80, wherein the costimulatory signaling region is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
[0553] Embodiment 82. The method of any of embodiments 61-81, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain from CD4, CD28, or CD8.
[0554] Embodiment 83. The method of any of embodiments 61-82, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain derived from CD28.
[0555] Embodiment 84. The method of any one of embodiments 61-83, wherein the CAR comprises: (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), wherein the extracellular antigenbinding domain comprises: (i) a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and (ii) a variable light chain (VL) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119; (2) a spacer comprising an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region, optionally that is about 228 amino acids in length; (3) a transmembrane domain from human CD28; and (4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4- IBB.
[0556] Embodiment 85. The method of embodiment 84, wherein: the extracellular antigenbinding domain comprises the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119.
[0557] Embodiment 86. The method of embodiment 84 or 85, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
[0558] Embodiment 87. The method of any of embodiments 61-86, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 173.
[0559] Embodiment 88. The method of any of embodiments 84-87, wherein the intracellular signaling region comprises (a) a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176 and (b) and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4- 1BB comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
[0560] Embodiment 89. The method of any of embodiments 84-87, wherein the intracellular signaling region is or comprises the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 and SEQ ID NO: 179.
[0561] Embodiment 90. The method of any of embodiments 1-89, wherein the chimeric antigen receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183.
[0562] Embodiment 91. The method of any of embodiments 1-89, wherein the chimeric antigen receptor is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182.
[0563] Embodiment 92. The method of any of embodiments 1-91, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 2.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.25 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR- expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 4.5 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, or between about 1.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells and 3.0 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells, each inclusive.
[0564] Embodiment 93. The method of any of embodiments 1-92, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 1.5 x 107, at or about 2.5 x 107, at or about 5.0 x 107, at or about 7.5 x 107, at or about 1.5 x 108, at or about 2.25 x 108, at or about 3.0 x 108, at or about 4.5 x 108, at or about 6.0 x 108, at or about 8.0 x 108, or at or about 1.2 x 109 CAR- expressing T cells. [0565] Embodiment 94. The method of any of embodiments 1-93, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 7.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells.
[0566] Embodiment 95. The method of any one of embodiments 1-94, wherein the method further comprises administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to administration of the CAR-T cell therapy.
[0567] Embodiment 96. The method of embodiment 95, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of the CAR-expressing T cells.
[0568] Embodiment 97. The method of embodiment 95 or 96, wherein the administration of the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 2 to 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of engineered T cells.
[0569] Embodiment 98. The method of any one of embodiments 95-97, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and/or cyclophosphamide.
[0570] Embodiment 99. The method of any one of embodiments 95-98, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
[0571] Embodiment 100. The method of any one of embodiments 95-99, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of cyclophosphamide at or about 200-400 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 300 mg/m2 daily.
[0572] Embodiment 101. The method of any one of embodiments 95-99, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine at or about 20-40 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 30 mg/m2 daily.
[0573] Embodiment 102. The method of any one of embodiments 95-101, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for 2-4 days, optionally for 3 days.
[0574] Embodiment 103. The method of any one of embodiments 95-98 wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of bendamustine.
[0575] Embodiment 104. The method of any one of embodiments 95-98 and 103, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine at or about 50-130 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 90 mg/m2 daily.
[0576] Embodiment 105. The method of any one of embodiments 95-98, 103, and 104, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine for 1-3 days, optionally for 2 days. [0577] Embodiment 106. The method of any one of embodiments 1-105, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody in combination with the CAR-T cell therapy is such that the subject does not develop a toxicity characterized by one or more of: (i) Any Grade 4 CRS and Grade CRS that does not resolve to Grade < 2 within 72 hours; (ii) any duration Grade 3 ICANS or neurotoxicity (NT); (iii) a higher than Grade 3 toxicity involving vital organs (eg, cardiac, pulmonary) of any duration; (iv) all other Grade 3 toxicities not attributable to underlying disease or lymphodepleting chemotherapy that do not resolve to < Grade 2 within 72 hours, other than a non-CRS toxicity of the liver in which liver amino transferase levels > 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) are accompanied by an elevation of total bilirubin to >2 x ULN without initial findings of cholestasis (e.g., elevated serum alkaline phosphatase) for which no other reason can be found to explain the combination of increased amino transferase to total bilirubin, such as viral hepatitis A, B, or C; pre-existing or acute liver disease; or another drug capable of causing the observed liver injury; (v) Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase lasting < 14 days or Grade 4 AST and/or ALT increase lasting < 7 days; (vi) certain treatment-emergent, isolated Grade 3 or 4, asymptomatic laboratory electrolyte abnormalities not directly related to vital organ toxicities that resolve, with or without intervention, to Grade < 2 in < 7 days; (vii) Grade 4 thrombocytopenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days or accompanied by clinically significant bleeding or Grade 3 thrombocytopenia with clinically significant bleeding; (viii) Grade 4 neutropenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days despite the use of granulocyte colonystimulating factor (G-CSE); (ix) any Grade 5 toxicity not related to disease progression; (x) any macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH); or (xi) any Grade > 3 thrombotic event.
[0578] Embodiment 107. The method of any one of embodiments 1-106, wherein the subject does not develop a severe toxicity.
V. Examples
[0579] The following examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Example 1: Clinical Efficacy of GPRC5D-Targeted CAR T cell Monotherapy
[0580] Adults with a diagnosis of relap sed/refractory multiple myeloma to at least 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment regimens were administered T cell compositions containing T cells engineered to express a CAR incorporating a GPRC5D-targeted CAR (also referred to as “anti- GPRC5D CAR”). Safety and response in subjects after administration of T cells expressing the GPRC5D-targeted CAR were assessed.
A. Generation of T cell Compositions containing anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing T cells
[0581] Autologous primary T cells from subjects to be treated were isolated and transduced by lentiviral transduction of a polynucleotide sequence encoding a GPRC5D-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The CAR construct contained an extracellular antigen-binding domain incorporating a GRPC5D-targeted scFv antigen-binding domain comprising a VH of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a VL of SEQ ID NO: 8 connected by a linker (containing residues set forth in SEQ ID NO: 129). The sequence of the scFv is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137. The CAR construct further contained an immunoglobulin-derived long spacer domain (hinge-CH2-CH3, 228aa; SEQ ID NO: 162, encoded by the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163) with CH2 modifications to limit Fc receptor binding; a human CD28-derived transmembrane domain (SEQ ID NO: 173); a human 4-lBB-derived intracellular signaling domain (SEQ ID NO: 179); and a human CD3zeta- derived intracellular signaling domain (SEQ ID NO: 176).
[0582] Table El sets forth the components, and SEQ ID NO, of the exemplary generated anti-GPRC5D CAR construct.
Figure imgf000166_0001
[0583] The polynucleotide sequence encoding the anti-GPRC5D CAR was also codon optimized and modified to eliminate splice donor and splice acceptor sites within the polynucleotide sequence with a splice site score of > 0.7 (> 70% probability of a splice event), e.g., in promoter region and long spacer region) by silent mutation to reduce the splice site score to less than 0.7. The nucleotide sequences of the modified nucleotide sequence encoding the spacer of the CAR is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164. The nucleotide sequence of the CAR is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182 and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183.
[0584] To prepare CAR engineered T cells for administration, CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations are isolated by immunoaffinity-based enrichment from leukapheresis samples from individual subjects with MM, and then the enriched CD4+ and enriched CD8+ cell compositions are separately cryofrozen and subsequently thawed and mixed at a ratio of 1:1 of viable CD4+ T cells to viable CD8+ T cells, prior to carrying out steps for stimulation, transduction and expansion. To stimulate the T cells prior to transduction, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the mixed cell composition are incubated for between 18 and 30 hours in the presence of paramagnetic polystyrene-coated beads with attached anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, at a 1:1 bead to cell ratio in serum-free media containing recombinant IL-2, IL-7, and IL- 15. Following the stimulation, viable T cells from the incubated cell composition are transduced in serum free media with cytokines with a lentiviral vector encoding the anti-GPRC5D CAR by spinoculation for 60 minutes followed by incubation for about 18 to 30 hours at about 37 °C. The transduced cells are then expanded by cultivation in a bioreactor (e.g. a rocking motion bioreactor) in serum free media containing twice the concentration of IL-2, IL-7, and IL- 15 as used during the incubation and transduction steps by initial cultivation under steady rocking conditions (non-perfusion) until a threshold viable cell density of greater than or about 0.6 x 106 cells/mL is achieved in about 1000 mL, and media is then replaced by semi-continuous perfusion with continual mixing. Media is added to the culture in a step-wise manner with total volume per day determined by viable cell density. The cells are harvested at a time one day after the total number of nucleated cells (TNC) reach at least or at least approximately 1000 x 106, which generally is at a point at which the TNC number reach at least or at least approximately 2400 x 106 total nucleated cells, with at least 85% viability. Following harvest, the anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibody conjugated beads are removed from the cell composition. The process results in a cell composition that is observed to be enriched for a central memory phenotype (e.g. CD45RA-CCR7+) as compared to the starting samples.
B. Subjects and Treatment
[0585] Selected subjects for administering the compositions containing autologous T cells engineered to express a GPRC5D-targeted CAR were adult human subjects (> 18 years) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma, who had received 3 or more prior treatments. The 3 prior therapies included 3 or more of: (1) a regimen that included at least 1 complete cycle of treatment (unless progressive disease was the best response to the regimen) of an immunomodulatory agent (e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide) and a proteasome inhibitor (e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixaxomib), either alone or in combination; (2) a regimen that include anti-CD38 antibody therapy (e.g., daratumumab), alone or in combination; (3) a regimen that included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), unless the participant was ineligible; and (4) prior therapy targeting BCMA and/or GPRC5D. For the prior therapies, induction with or without HSCT and with or without maintenance therapy was considered 1 regimen. The subjects must have confirmed progressive disease (measurable MM) as determined by IMWG criteria on or within 12 months (measured from the last dose) of completing treatment with the last anti-myeloma treatment regimen or have confirmed progressive disease within 6 months prior to screening for CAR-T cell treatment and who are subsequently determined to be refractory or non-responsive to their most recent anti-myeloma treatment regimen. However, subjects who have received as their last treatment a CAR T-cell therapy may be eligible beyond 12 months of their last treatment. The subjects also much have Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0- 1.
[0586] At the time of this example, sixty seven patients with relap sed/refractory multiple melanoma who had received at least 3 prior multiple myeloma treatment regimens were administered anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing T cells. Prior to CAR-T cell infusion, subjects were treated with lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to infusion that was completed at least 48 hours and up to 9 days before CAR-T cell infusion. Subjects were treated either by intravenous administration of fludarabine (flu, 30 mg/m2/day) and cyclophosphamide (Cy, 300mg/m2/day) for 3 days prior to CAR-T cell infusion, or by intravenous administration of bendamustine (90 mg/m2) for 2 days prior to CAR-T cell infusion.
[0587] The cryopreserved cell compositions were thawed at bedside prior to intravenous administration, with the day of infusion being designated day 1. On day 1, subjects were administered a dose of CAR T cells (viable CD3+ CAR+ T cells) as follows: a single dose of 25 x 106 CAR T cells, 75 x 106 CAR T, 150 x 106 CAR T, 300 x 106 CAR T, and 450 x 106 CAR T cells.
[0588] Based on data at the time of this example, 52 of the treated subjects were efficacy- evaluable in which 45 (86.5%) had a response of partial response (PR) or better, and 20 subjects (38.5%) had a response of complete response (CR) or better. Reponses were observed among participants who were naive to prior targeted therapies as well as those who had prior BCMA- targeted therapies (overall response in 19 [76%] of 25 participants), including prior BCMA CAR T therapies (overall response in 14 [73.7%] of 19 participants). The median duration of response (DOR) among the 52 efficacy-evaluable participants with observed responses was 13.27 months (95% confidence interval [CI], lower bound of 9.69 months and upper bound not able to be calculated). Based on the data at the time of this example , 37 of 52 participants (71.2%) are in ongoing response or stable disease with a median follow-up time of 5.96 months (range, 1.0 to 20.1 months).
[0589] With respect to adverse events among overall subjects that were treated, the majority of non-hematological adverse events were Grade 1 or Grade 2. The majority of CRS and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANs) were Grade 1 or 2 and all events of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) were grade 3.
[0590] Of the 67 treated subjects, nervous system disorder treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) that may be consistent with cerebellar disorder included: dizziness (19 subjects [28.4%]; considered related in a subset of 7 subjects [10.4%]), ataxia (3 subjects [4.5%], considered related in a subset of 2 subjects [3.0%]), ‘cerebellar toxicity’ which was coded to ‘neurotoxicity’ (1 subject, considered related [1.5%], dysarthria (1 subject, considered related [1.5%]), and nystagmus (1 subject [1.5%]); all events were maximum Grade 1 or 2 except one Grade 3 dizziness event (1.5%).
[0591] Together, these results establish that the GPRC5D-target CAR T cell composition exhibits efficacy with an acceptable safety profile in subjects with RRMM. All dose levels tested were declared tolerable during dose escalation. The safety profile of the GPRC5D-directed T cell therapy included Grade 3+ CRS at dose levels of 300 x 106 and 450 x 106 (11.8% at 300 x 106, 9.1% at 450 x 106), as well as Grade 3 ICANS at 300 x 106 (11.8%). Based on an integrated analysis of PK, Pd, safety, and efficacy data, the 150 x 106 CAR T cell dose level provides a favorable benefit-risk ratio.
Example 2; Combination Therapy of GPRC5D-Targeted CAR T cell Therapy with Alnuctamab in Subjects with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)
[0592] Adults with a diagnosis of relap sed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) are administered T cell compositions containing cells engineered to express a GPRC5D-targeted CAR in combination with alnuctamab. Safety and response to administration of this combination is assessed.
[0593] The GPRC5D-targeting CAR T cell therapeutic compositions are generated as described, e.g., in Example 1.
[0594] Alnuctamab (also known as BMS-986349, CC-93269, or EM901) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) x CD3 T cell-bispecific antibody that is a T cell engager (TCE) that induces T cell-mediated killing of multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Alnuctamab has two anti- BCMA Fabs in asymmetrical design (2+1) with an IgGl Fc backbone. The bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253.
[0595] Without wishing to be bound by theory, alnuctamab is provided in combination with GPRC5D-directed CAR T cell therapy to improve responses to increase overall response rate (ORR) and progression free survival (PFS) by at least 2 mechanisms: (1) given the heterogeneity of GPRC5D and BCMA target expression among myeloma cells has been demonstrated in individual patients, combining anti-GPRC5D and anti-BCMA targeted therapy such as alnuctamab may yield greater depth of tumor clearance, increase rates of clearance of minimal residual disease (MRD), and potentially greater durability of response; and (2) administering alnuctamab after anti-GPRC5D CAR T cell therapy is expected to re-direct endogenous T cells to kill BCMA expressing tumor cells. The alnuctamab TCE may also engage residual CAR T cell, prolonging combined endogenous T cell and CAR T cell immune surveillance against the tumor.
[0596] A group of human subjects (age > 18 years of age) are selected for administration of anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing T cells in combination with alnuctamab. The study consists of 2 parts: dose finding (Part 1) and dose expansion (Part 2). Subjects selected for Part 1 are those diagnosed with RRMM and underwent at least 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment regimens including an immunomodulatory agent, proteasome inhibitor, and anti-CD38. In Part 2, the safety and preliminary efficacy of the dose is confirmed in subjects with RRMM with at least 1 but not greater than 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment regimens, including a proteasome and immunomodulatory agent in Part 2.
[0597] The subject has a diagnosis of MM with relapsed and/or refractory disease. The subject must have confirmed progressive disease (as per IMWG criteria) on or within 12 months (measured from the last dose) of completing treatment with the last antimyeloma treatment regimen before study entry or have confirmed progressive disease within 6 months prior to Screening and who are subsequently determined to be refractory or non-responsive to their most recent anti-myeloma treatment regimen, except for subjects with cellular therapy (eg, CAR T- cell therapy) as their last treatment, who may enroll beyond 12 months.
[0598] For Part 1, the subject must have received at least 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment regimens (note: induction with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT] and with or without maintenance therapy is considered 1 regimen): [0599] i) A regimen that included an immunomodulatory agent (eg, thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide) and a proteasome inhibitor (eg, bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixazomib), either alone or in combination. Subjects must have undergone at least 1 complete cycle of treatment unless progressive disease was the best response to the regimen.
[0600] ii) A regimen that included anti-CD38 (eg, daratumumab), alone or in combination.
[0601] iii) Autologous HSCT, unless the participant was ineligible.
[0602] iv) Prior therapy targeting BCMA and/or GPRC5D is permitted.
[0603] The subject is a subject who has not received prior treatment for MM with the following therapies within the specified period (i.e. has undergone a washout period > the specified period): i) bendamustine within 6 months before leukapheresis; ii) therapeutic doses of corticosteroids (defined as > 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) within 14 days before leukapheresis; iii) approved anti-MM antibody (e.g., daratumumab) within 14 days before leukapheresis; iv) any other systemic therapy approved for the treatment of MM within 14 days before leukapheresis, except T cell engaging agents which are within 28 days; v) any experimental biologies or any other therapy within 28 days or 5 half-lives before leukapheresis, whichever is shorter (minimum 14 days); vi) autologous HSCT (i.e. day of hematopoietic stem cell infusion) within 9 months before leukapheresis; vii) allogeneic HSCT (i.e. day of hematopoietic stem cell infusion) within 12 months before leukapheresis, or has ongoing symptoms of treatment for chronic graft-versus-host (GVHD); viii) prior CAR T cell therapy administered within 3 months before leukapheresis; ix) immunosuppresive therapies within 4 weeks before leukapheresis (eg, calcineurin inhibitors, methotrexate or other chemotherapeutic s, mycophenolate, rapamycin, immunosuppressive antibodies such as anti-TNF, anti-IL6, or anti-IL6R); x) donor lymphocyte infusions within 6 weeks before leukapheresis; xi) plasmapheresis within 14 days before leukapheresis; or xii) radiation that includes a large bone marrow field such as the pelvis or sternum within 14 days before leukapheresis. [0604] Subjects are administered a single-dose IV infusion of anti-GPRC5D CAR- expressing T cells (viable CD3+ CAR+ T cells) (Dose Level 1 (DL1) of 75 x 106 cells or Dose Level 2 (DL2) of 150 x 106 cells) after undergoing lymphodepleting chemotherapy as described in Example 1. The subjects optionally may receive a bridging therapy (typically for <4 weeks) between the time of leukapheresis and the lymphodepleting therapy during the time the autologous anti-GPRC5D CAR-expressing cells are being manufactured (e.g., engineered and expanded). The bridging therapy may not include a BCMA-targeted therapy. Bridging therapy is discontinued at least 14 days prior to initiation of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, except corticosteroids which is discontinued at least 72 hours prior. The subject also is recovered from bridging therapy relates toxicities to Grade <2 (except for alopecia) prior to initiation of lymphodepleting therapy.
[0605] Subjects are administered alnuctamab subcutaneously starting as early as 60 days after the CAR T cell infusion unless the subject has Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, in which case treatment is started after neutropenia and thrombocytopenia recover to Grade <2. The timing of 2 months before the first dose of alnuctamab is administered is chosen as being a time that is consistent with the dynamics of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet recovery in RRMM subjects after treatment with alnuctamb and reflects improving normal hematopoietic function. Without wishing to be bound by theory, delay in administration of alnuctamab may thus reduce risk of toxicity from the combination therapy. Further, in an ongoing clinical trial in which alnuctamab has been tested, the efficacy data showed a numeric improvement in ORR in the 30 mg SC target dose (ORR = 63%) compared to the 10 mg SC target dose (ORR = 48%) with similar safety profile. However, concentrations associated with doses higher than 30 mg SC (e.g., 60 mg) may not increase probability of benefit relative to 30 mg but with increased toxicity.
[0606] The first day of alnuctamab is considered Day 1 (DI) of a cycle and all cycles are 28 days. Subjects are administered subcutaneous alnuctamab on Days 1 (initial dose), 4 (intermediate dose), 8 (maintenance dose), 15 (maintenance dose), and 22 (maintenance dose) of the first cycle (Cl) of administration. The subjects are to receive administration of alnuctamab involving a 3/6/30 mg subcutaneous dose escalation (initial dose of 3 mg on CID 1, a step-up dose of 6 mg on C1D4 and a target dose of 30 mg on C1D8, C1D15 and C1D22. Following the first cycle of administration, subjects are administered alnuctamab once a week (QW) (i.e., Days 1, 8, 15, 22) in Cycles 2 and 3, every other week (Q2W) (i.e., Days 1 and 15) in Cycles 4-6, and once monthly (Q4W) (i.e., Day 1) in Cycles 7-12. Subjects may be administered alnuctamab for a maximum of 12 cycles. The limited duration treatment of 12 cycles - as opposed to continuous treatment until disease progression - may be chosen due to the mechanism of action of TCEs with rapid responses and potential risk for toxicity (e.g., infections) with prolonged treatment. The limited treatment duration is supported by results that indicate SC administration of alnuctamab at the dose and regimens has a long duration of response.
[0607] An exemplary treatment regimen is depicted in FIG. 1.
[0608] Subjects are monitored for safety (including serious and severity of adverse events), pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and clinical response through responses by International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Uniform Response Criteria (Kuman 2016). Determining clinical response to the treatment includes assessing the overall response rate (ORR; partial response or better), complete response rate (CRR; including proportion of patients with sCR or CR) and very good partial response rate or better (VGPRR; including proportion of patients achieving sCR, CR or VGPR). The estimated Cmax, tmax, AUC (0-28D, and other relevant PK parameters of CAR T cells in the peripheral blood are assessed.
[0609] Subjects also are monitored for dose-limiting toxicides (DLT) of the administered alnuctamab. The DLT period will begin on the first day the subject has been exposed to both the GPRC5D-directed CAR T cells and the combination agent alnuctamab and will end 28 days later. The severity of AEs are graded according to National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 (National Cancer Institute. Common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE). Version 5.0. Available at: https://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/docs/CTCAE_v5_Quick_ Reference_8.5xl l.pdf), American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) Consensus Grading for CRS and Neurologic Toxicity Associated with Immune Effector Cells (Lee et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant., 2019; 25:625-38), and according to Cairo-Bishop Criteria (Cairo et al. Br J Haemat, 2004; 127:3-11) for tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Additional information may also be collected according to Lee, 2014 Grading criteria (Lee et al., Blood, 2014; 124:188-195). A DLT is any that meets the following criteria:
• Any Grade 4 CRS and Grade 3 that does not resolve to Grade < 2 within 72 hours;
• Any duration Grade 3 ICANS or neurotoxicity (NT);
• > Grade 3 toxicity involving vital organs (eg, cardiac, pulmonary) of any duration;
• All other Grade 3 toxicities, not attributable to underlying disease or lymphodepleting chemotherapy, that do not resolve to < Grade 2 within 72 hours, except as follows: o confirmed Hy’s law case which is one in which liver amino transferase levels
> 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) are accompanied by an elevation of total bilirubin to >2 x ULN without initial findings of cholestasis (e.g., elevated serum alkaline phosphatase) for which no other reason can be found to explain the combination of increased amino transferase to total bilirubin, such as viral hepatitis A, B, or C; pre-existing or acute liver disease; or another drug capable of causing the observed liver injury; o Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase lasting < 14 days or Grade 4 AST and/or ALT increase lasting < 7 days; o Certain treatment-emergent, isolated Grade 3 or 4, asymptomatic laboratory electrolyte abnormalities (ie, those occurring without clinical consequence) not directly related to vital organ toxicities (eg, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia) that resolve, with or without intervention, to Grade < 2 in < 7 days.
• Grade 4 thrombocytopenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days or accompanied by clinically significant bleeding;
• Grade 3 thrombocytopenia with clinically significant bleeding;
• Grade 4 neutropenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days despite the use of granulocyte colony- stimulating factor (G-CSF);
• Any Grade 5 toxicity not related to disease progression;
• Any macrophage activation syndrome (MAS)/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH); or
• Any Grade > 3 thrombotic event.
[0610] The results demonstrate a dosing regimen involving the dual-agent combination that is found to be safe and exhibit efficacy.
[0611] An additional study (Part 2) is performed to evaluate the combination treatment comprising the CAR-positive T cells and alnuctamab, in subjects with RRMM who have been treated with at least 1, but not more than 3, anti-myeloma treatment regimens.
[0612] As above, the subjects are human subjects (age > 18 years of age) with a history of RRMM (measurable multiple myeloma as per IMWG; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1). The subjects of this additional study must have received 1 to 3 prior anti-myeloma treatment therapies including a proteasome and immunomodulatory agent. The subjects must have previously received a prior therapy that included at least 1 complete cycle of treatment (unless progressive disease was the best response to the regimen) of an immunomodulatory agent (e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide) and a proteasome inhibitor (e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixaxomib), either alone or in combination. Prior therapy targeting BCMA is not permitted.
[0613] As above, the subjects must have confirmed progressive disease (measurable MM) as determined by IMWG criteria on or within 12 months (measured from the last dose) of completing treatment with the last anti-myeloma treatment regimen or have confirmed progressive disease within 6 months prior to screening for CAR-T cell treatment and who are subsequently determined to be refractory or non-responsive to their most recent anti-myeloma treatment regimen. However, subjects who have received as their last treatment a CAR T-cell therapy may be eligible beyond 12 months of their last treatment.
[0614] As above, subjects are treated with lymphodepleting chemotherapy and an optional bridging therapy prior to CAR-T cell infusion. Subjects are monitored for safety (including serious and severity of adverse events), pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and clinical response through responses by International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Uniform Response Criteria (Kuman 2016).
[0615] The present invention is not intended to be limited in scope to the particular disclosed embodiments, which are provided, for example, to illustrate various aspects of the invention. Various modifications to the compositions and methods described will become apparent from the description and teachings herein. Such variations may be practiced without departing from the true scope and spirit of the disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
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Claims

Claims
1. A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising:
(1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and
(2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after administration of the CAR T cell therapy.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one fixed dose of the bispecific antibody is administered in an amount between 1 mg and 50 mg.
6. The method of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day cycle.
8. The method of any of claims 2-7, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises a first treatment cycle (Cl) that is an escalating dosing regimen comprising one or more starting dose and one or more maintenance dose, wherein the maintenance dose is greater than the starting dose.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein Cl further comprises one or more intermediate dose, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose and less than the maintenance dose.
10. A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising:
(1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D); and
(2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3 in a dosing regimen that is initiated after the CAR-T cell administration; wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody comprises is a cycling regimen comprising more than one treatment cycle, wherein each treatment cycle is a 28-day treatment cycle, and wherein the first treatment cycle (Cl) is an escalating dosing regimen comprising:
(i) a starting phase, wherein one or more starting doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject;
(ii) an intermediate phase, wherein one or more intermediate doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject, wherein the intermediate dose is greater than the starting dose; and
(iii) a maintenance phase, wherein one or more maintenance doses of the bispecific antibody are administered to the subject, wherein each maintenance dose is greater than the intermediate dose.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises at least one Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragment of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody.
13. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is 28 days to 6 months after administering the CAR-T cell therapy to the subject.
14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific antibody is no earlier than 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
15. The method of any of claims 1-14, wherein the initiation of administration of the bispecific is at or about 60 days after the CAR-T cell therapy.
16. The method of any of claims 8-15, wherein the starting phase comprises a single starting dose.
17. The method of any of claims 8-16, wherein the starting dose is about 1.0 mg to 6 mg.
18. The method of any of claims 8-17, wherein the starting dose is about 3 mg.
19. The method of any one of claims 9-18, wherein the intermediate phase comprises a single intermediate dose.
20. The method of any one of claims 9-19, wherein the intermediate dose is about 4.5 mg to 10 mg.
21. The method of any one of claims 9-20, wherein the intermediate dose is about 6.0 mg.
22. The method of any of claims 8-21, wherein the maintenance dose is from about 6 mg to about 50 mg.
23. The method of any one of claims 8-22, wherein the maintenance dose is a about 25.0 mg to 35.0 mg.
24. The method of any of claims 8-23, wherein the maintenance dose is about 30 mg.
25. The method of any one of claims 8-21, wherein the maintenance dose is a about 6 mg to 18 mg.
26. The method of any one of claims 8-21 and 25, wherein the maintenance dose is about 10 mg.
27. The method of any one of claims 8-26, wherein the one or more starting dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
28. The method of any one of claims 8-27, wherein a single starting dose is administered on Day 1 (DI) of Cl.
29. The method of any one of claims 9-28, wherein the one or more intermediate dose is administered in the first week of Cl.
30. The method of any one of claims 9-29, wherein a single intermediate dose is administered on one of Days 3-6 of Cl.
31. The method of any one of claims 9-30, wherein the single intermediate dose is administered on Day 4 (D4) of Cl.
32. The method of any one of claims 8-28, wherein in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered once weekly after the first week.
33. The method of any one of claims 8-32, wherein in Cl the one or more maintenance dose is administered on Day 8 (D8), Day 15 (D15) and Day 22 (D22).
34. The method of any one of claims 8-33, wherein in Cl the bispecific antibody is administered at about 3 mg on Day 1, about 6 mg on Day 4, and about 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22.
35. The method of any one of claims 8-34, wherein the dosing regimen further comprises two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing (Q1W) of the maintenance dose.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 2-4 once weekly treatment cycles.
37. The method of any one of claims 8-36, wherein the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) comprising once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
38. The method of any one of claims 8-36, wherein the dosing regimen comprises a second treatment cycle (C2) and a third treatment cycle (C3), wherein each of C2 and C3 are characterized by once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose.
39. The method of claim 37 and claim 38, wherein the once weekly dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein C2 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and C3 comprises administration of the bispecific antibody at about 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22.
41. The method of any one of claims 35-40, wherein after the two or more successive treatment cycles each comprising once weekly dosing (Q1W), the dosing regimen comprises one or more additional treatment cycles characterized by reduced frequency administration of the maintenance dose of the bispecific antibody.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise every other week dosing (Q2W), once monthly dosing (Q4W) or combinations thereof.
43. The method of claim 41 or claim 42, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles comprise one or more treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
44. The method of claim 41, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 2-6 treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
45. The method of any of claims 42-44, wherein the for each of the treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing, the Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Days 1 and 15 of each cycle.
46. The method of any one of claims 41-45, wherein the one or more additional treatment cycles further comprise one or more treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose after the one or more treatment cycles that are Q2W dosing of the maintenance dose.
47. The method of any one of claims 41-46, wherein the dosing regimen comprises 4-10 treatment cycles that are Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose.
48. The method of any of claims 41-47, wherein for each of the treatment cycles thare are Q4W dosing, the Q4W dosing of the maintenance dose is administered at Day 1 of each cycle.
49. The method of any one of claims 1-48, wherein the subjects are administered the bispecific antibody for a maximum of 12 treatment cycles.
50. A method of treating a relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the method comprising:
(1) administering to a subject having a RRMM a CAR-T cell therapy comprising a dose of engineered cells comprising T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D);
(2) administering to the subject a bispecific antibody that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD3, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody and one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and wherein the bispecific antibody is administered in a dosing regimen that is initiated no earlier than 60 days after the CAR T cell administration and is characterized by 12 treatment cycles that are each 28 days; wherein:
(i) the first treatment cycle of the bispecific antibody administration comprises administration of 3 mg on Day 1, 6 mg on Day 4, and 30 mg on Days 8, 15, and 22; (ii) the second and third treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22;
(iii) the fourth, fifth, and sixth treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Days 1 and 15;
(iv) the 7-12 treatment cycles of the bispecific antibody each comprise administration of 30 mg on Day 1.
51. The method of any one of claims 1-50, wherein the bispecific antibody is administered subcutaneously.
52. The method of any one of claims 1-51, wherein the bispecific antibody is a trivalent bispecific antibody comprising two Fab fragments of an anti-BCMA antibody, one Fab fragment of an anti-CD3 antibody, and one Fc portion, optionally wherein the bispecific antibody is in the format BCMA Fab - Fc - CD3 Fab - BCMA Fab.
53. The method of any one of claims 3-52, wherein the anti-BCMA Fab comprises:
(a) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216;
(b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 217;
(c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218;
(d) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 211, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216;
(e) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; (f) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 216; or
(g) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 214, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215.
54. The method of any one of claims 1-53, wherein the anti-BCMA Fab comprises:
(a) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 227, 228, and 224, respectively;
(b) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 229, 230, and 224, respectively;
(c) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively;
(d) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 233, 234, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively;
(e) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 238, 239, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively;
(f) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 240, 241, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 235, 236, and 237, respectively; or
(g) a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 219, 220, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 222, 223, and 224, respectively.
55. The method of any one of claims 3-54, wherein the anti-BCMA Fab comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 210, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 218.
56. The method of any one of claims 3-55, wherein the anti-BCMA Fab comprises a a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 225, 226, and 221, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 231, 232, and 224, respectively
57. The method of any one of claims 3-56, wherein the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VH sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242, and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 of the VL sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243.
58. The method of any one of claims 3-57, wherein the anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, comprises a VH comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 244, 245, and 246, respectively; and a VL comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 247, 248, and 249, respectively.
59. The method of any one of claims 1-58, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises a heavy and light chain combination of sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO:252, and two copies of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:253.
60. The method of any one of claims 1-59, wherein the bispecific antibody is alnuctamab.
61. The method of any one of claims 1-60, wherein the CAR comprises (1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), (2) an immunoglobulin hinge spacer of at least 125 amino acids in length; (3) a transmembrane domain; and (4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and a costimulatory signaling region; wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:2; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 116; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:4; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 117; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:6; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 118; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:8; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:9; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 10; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 9; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 120; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 12; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 11; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:121; the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14; or the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 122.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region, wherein: the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:20, 21 and 17, respectively, and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:25, 26 and 27, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:35, 36, 32, respectively, and the V region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:40, 41 and 42, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:50, 51 and 47, respectively, and the V region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:55, 56 and 57, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the V region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:80, 81 and 77, respectively, and the V region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:85, 86 and 87, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:80, 94 and 91, respectively, and the V region comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:97, 98 and 99, respectively; the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 107, 108 and 104, respectively, and the VL region comprises a CDR- Ll, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 112, 26, 113, respectively; or the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:109, 110 and 111, respectively, and the Vrregion comprises a CDR- Ll, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 114, 29 and 123, respectively.
63. The method of claim 61 or claim 62, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a VH region and a VL region wherein: the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 116, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 4, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3 and 117, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 118, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 119, respectively; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 120, respective; the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 11 and 12, respectively or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 11 and 121, respectively; or the VH region and the VL region comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14 or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID Nos: 13 and 122, respectively.
64. The method of any of claims 61-63, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises the VH region comprises a CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:65, 66 and 62, respectively, and the Vuregion comprises a CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:70, 71 and 72, respectively.
65. The method of any of claims 61-64, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119 or or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 119.
66. The method of any of claims 61-65, wherein: the VH region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119.
67. The method of any of claims 61-66, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a single chain antibody fragment that is or comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv).
68. The method of any of claims 61-67, when the VH region and the VL region are joined by a flexible linker.
69. The method of claim 68, wherein the linker comprises the amino acid sequence GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 127).
70. The method of any of claims 61-69, wherein the VH region is carboxy-terminal to the VL region.
71. The method of any of claims 61-70, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 131, 133, 137, and 141.
72. The method of any of claims 61-71, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
73. The method of any of claims 61-72, wherein the spacer comprises a sequence of an immunoglobulin hinge region, a CH2 region and CH3 region.
74. The method of any of claims 61-73, wherein the spacer comprises an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge region or a modified IgG4 hinge region comprising at least one amino acid replacement compared to a human IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region.
75. The method of any of claims 61-74, wherein the spacer is or comprises (i) the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162; (ii) a functional variant of SEQ ID NO: 162 that has at least at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162; or (iii) a contiguous portion of (i) or (ii) that is at least 125 amino acids in length.
76. The method of any one of claims 61-75, wherein the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
77. The method of any of claims 61-76, wherein the cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3(^ comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176.
78. The method of any of claims 61-77, wherein the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of CD28, 4- IBB, or ICOS, or a signaling portion thereof.
79. The chimeric antigen receptor of any of claims 61-78, wherein the costimulatory signaling region comprises an intracellular signaling domain of 4-1BB.
80. The method of any of claims 61-79, wherein the costimulatory signaling region is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
81. The method of any of claims 61-80, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain from CD4, CD28, or CD8.
82. The method of any of claims 61-81, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises a transmembrane domain derived from CD28.
83. The method of any one of claims 61-82, wherein the CAR comprises:
(1) an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds human G-protein coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), wherein the extracellular antigenbinding domain comprises:
(i) a variable heavy chain (VH) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and
(ii) a variable light chain (VL) region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119;
(2) a spacer comprising an IgG4/2 chimeric hinge or a modified IgG4 hinge; an IgG2/4 chimeric CH2 region; and an IgG4 CH3 region, optionally that is about 228 amino acids in length;
(3) a transmembrane domain from human CD28; and
(4) an intracellular signaling region comprising a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4-1BB.
84. The method of claim 83, wherein: the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises the VH region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 and the VL region amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119.
85. The method of claim 83 or 84, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv set forth in SEQ ID NO: 137.
86. The method of any one of claims 83-85, wherein: the spacer is or comprises (i) the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162; (ii) a functional variant of SEQ ID NO: 162 that has at least at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98% or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 162; or (iii) a contiguous portion of (i) or (ii) that is at least 125 amino acids in length; or the spacer is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 164.
87. The method of any of claims 61-86, wherein the transmembrane domain is or comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 173 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 173.
88. The method of any of claims 61-87, wherein the intracellular signaling region comprises (a) a cytoplasmic signaling domain of a CD3-zeta (CD3Q chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 or an amino acid sequence that has at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 176 and (b) and an intracellular signaling domain of a 4-1BB comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179 or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 179.
89. The method of any of claims 61-87, wherein the intracellular signaling region is or comprises the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 176 and SEQ ID NO: 179.
90. The method of any of claims 1-89, wherein the chimeric antigen receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 183, or an amino acid sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 183.
91. The method of any of claims 1-89, wherein the chimeric antigen receptor is encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182, or a nucleotide sequence having at least at or about 90%, at or about 91%, at or about 92%, at or about 93%, at or about 94%, at or about 95%, at or about 96%, at or about 97%, at or about 98%, or at or about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 182.
92. The method of any of claims 1-91, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 2.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 6.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.25 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 1.5 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells, between about 5.0 x 107 CAR- expressing T cells and 4.5 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, or between about 1.5 x 108 CAR- expressing T cells and 3.0 x 108 CAR-expressing T cells, each inclusive.
93. The method of any of claims 1-92, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 1.5 x 107, at or about 2.5 x 107, at or about 5.0 x 107, at or about 7.5 x 107, at or about 1.5 x 108, at or about 2.25 x 108, at or about 3.0 x 108, at or about 4.5 x 108, at or about 6.0 x 108, at or about 8.0 x 108, or at or about 1.2 x 109 CAR-expressing T cells.
94. The method of any of claims 1-93, wherein the dose of engineered cells comprises at or about 7.5 x 107 CAR-expressing T cells.
95. The method of any one of claims 1-94, wherein the method further comprises administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to administration of the
CAR-T cell therapy.
96. The method of claim 95, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of the CAR-expressing T cells.
97. The method of claim 95 or 96, wherein the administration of the lymphodepleting therapy is completed within about 2 to 7 days prior to initiation of the administration of the dose of engineered T cells.
98. The method of any one of claims 95-97, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and/or cyclophosphamide.
99. The method of any one of claims 95-98, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
100. The method of any one of claims 95-99, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of cyclophosphamide at or about 200-400 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 300 mg/m2 daily.
101. The method of any one of claims 95-99, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine at or about 20-40 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 30 mg/m2 daily.
102. The method of any one of claims 95-101, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for 2-4 days, optionally for 3 days.
103. The method of any one of claims 95-98 wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises the administration of bendamustine.
104. The method of any one of claims 95-98 and 103, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine at or about 50-130 mg/m2 inclusive daily, optionally at or about 90 mg/m2 daily.
105. The method of any one of claims 95-98, 103, and 104, wherein the lymphodepleting therapy comprises administration of bendamustine for 1-3 days, optionally for 2 days.
106. The method of any one of claims 1-105, wherein the dosing regimen of the bispecific antibody in combination with the CAR-T cell therapy is such that the subject does not develop a toxicity characterized by one or more of:
(i) Any Grade 4 CRS and Grade CRS that does not resolve to Grade < 2 within 72 hours;
(ii) any duration Grade 3 ICANS or neurotoxicity (NT);
(iii) a higher than Grade 3 toxicity involving vital organs (eg, cardiac, pulmonary) of any duration;
(iv) all other Grade 3 toxicities not attributable to underlying disease or lymphodepleting chemotherapy that do not resolve to < Grade 2 within 72 hours, other than a non-CRS toxicity of the liver in which liver amino transferase levels > 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) are accompanied by an elevation of total bilirubin to >2 x ULN without initial findings of cholestasis (e.g., elevated serum alkaline phosphatase) for which no other reason can be found to explain the combination of increased amino transferase to total bilirubin, such as viral hepatitis A, B, or C; pre-existing or acute liver disease; or another drug capable of causing the observed liver injury;
(v) Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase lasting < 14 days or Grade 4 AST and/or ALT increase lasting < 7 days;
(vi) certain treatment-emergent, isolated Grade 3 or 4, asymptomatic laboratory electrolyte abnormalities not directly related to vital organ toxicities that resolve, with or without intervention, to Grade < 2 in < 7 days;
(vii) Grade 4 thrombocytopenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days or accompanied by clinically significant bleeding or Grade 3 thrombocytopenia with clinically significant bleeding;
(viii) Grade 4 neutropenia that does not resolve to Grade 3 or lower within 14 days despite the use of granulocyte colony- stimulating factor (G-CSF); (ix) any Grade 5 toxicity not related to disease progression;
(x) any macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH); or
(xi) any Grade > 3 thrombotic event.
107. The method of any one of claims 1-106, wherein the subject does not develop a severe toxicity.
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