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WO2024223870A1 - Particule de vecteur rétroviral pseudotypée avec des protéines d'enveloppe du virus de la maladie de carré - Google Patents

Particule de vecteur rétroviral pseudotypée avec des protéines d'enveloppe du virus de la maladie de carré Download PDF

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WO2024223870A1
WO2024223870A1 PCT/EP2024/061623 EP2024061623W WO2024223870A1 WO 2024223870 A1 WO2024223870 A1 WO 2024223870A1 EP 2024061623 W EP2024061623 W EP 2024061623W WO 2024223870 A1 WO2024223870 A1 WO 2024223870A1
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protein
virus
seq
retroviral vector
vector particle
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Nicole CORDES-PAULITZ
Nora WINTER
Shima FERDOS
Thomas SCHASER
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Miltenyi Biotec GmbH
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Miltenyi Biotec GmbH
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N15/00—Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
    • C12N15/09—Recombinant DNA-technology
    • C12N15/63—Introduction of foreign genetic material using vectors; Vectors; Use of hosts therefor; Regulation of expression
    • C12N15/79—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts
    • C12N15/85—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts for animal cells
    • C12N15/86—Viral vectors
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • C07K14/005—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from viruses

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to the field of the generation of pseudotyped retroviral vector particles, in particular to the generation of pseudotyped retroviral vector particles with envelope proteins of canine distemper virus.
  • retroviral vectors Gene delivery using retroviral vectors is a widely-used approach to correct defective genes and provide new functions to cells.
  • retroviral vectors due to the nature of the commonly used type of retroviral vectors, they are not selective by design, which reduces the safety and applicability of retroviral vectors for gene therapy.
  • retroviral vectors are pseudotyped with the envelope protein of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV-G). This pseudotype transduces a broad range of cells including therapeutic relevant cell types like T cells, but requires pre-selection to exclude transduction of off-target cells. Moreover, VSV-G pseudotyped retroviral vectors require activation of T cells with stimulatory agents prior to transduction to reach sufficient transduction efficiencies (Amirache et al. (2014)).
  • VSV-G Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
  • MV-LV measles virus envelope proteins
  • F protein protein with fusion activity
  • H protein protein with antigen-binding activity
  • lentiviral vectors may be pseudotyped with Nipah virus glycoproteins (NiV-LV), which was shown to increase the productivity by 10-100- fold (Bender et al (2016)).
  • NiV-LV Nipah virus glycoproteins
  • Canine distemper virus (CDV) is closely related to measles virus and was shown to be suitable for retargeting by fusion of scFvs similar to measles virus glycoproteins (Miest et al (2011), Bah et al (2020)).
  • novel pseudotyped retroviral vectors are need that may enable highly selective but also flexible targeting, that may provide a higher productivity and avoid neutralization in human serum.
  • the present invention makes use of the discovery that retroviral vector particles can be targeted to a specific cell type of interest by pseudotyping with engineered viral glycoproteins.
  • retroviral vector particles such as lentiviral vector particles or gamma-retroviral vector particles efficiently transduce target cells, when they are pseudotyped with protein H and protein F envelope proteins of canine distemper virus (CDV) and the protein H is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds directly to a target antigen on a target cell or indirectly via an adapter to an antigen of a target cell.
  • CDV canine distemper virus
  • Cytoplasmic-tail truncations of the CDV envelope glycoproteins were described not to improve efficiency of pseudotyping (Munoz-Alia & Russell, 2021). Hence it was surprising to find that truncation of the cytoplasmic portion of the H glycoproteins from 14-34 amino acids and a truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of the F protein by 30 amino acids increases the productivity of the retroviral vector particles compared to non-modified glycoproteins.
  • CAR T cells play a key role in cell-mediated immunity and are therefore an interesting target for adoptive immunotherapy such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy.
  • CAR T manufacturing processes involve isolation of T cells from the human body, polyclonal activation, genetic modification with lentiviral vectors (LV) followed by an expansion phase. This complex process is time and cost intensive, but also results in a high degree of in vitro modification of the T cells. Decreasing the process complexity e.g. by omitting the activation step or by reducing the expansion phase therefore offers the potential to improve the cost efficiency of CAR T manufacture.
  • In vivo generation of CAR T cells offers the potential to further reduce the complexity of manufacturing and to completely avoid in vitro manipulation of the T cells.
  • the retroviral vector particle provides a solution therefor.
  • the inventors identified scFv sequences that are especially well suited for targeting of antigen CD4 or CD8 that are expressed on CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells with the retroviral vector particles as disclosed herein.
  • scFvs comprising SEQ ID NO:4 (VL) and SEQ ID NO: 5 (VH)
  • FIG 1 Principle of CDV pseudotyped retroviral vectors.
  • Retroviral vector particles can be pseudotyped with the H and F protein of canine distemper virus. Both envelope proteins are truncated in their cytoplasmic tail and the H protein is mutated to avoid binding to the natural receptor.
  • the H protein is fused with a polypeptide specific for a target antigen (Direct-LV) or specific for a tag on an adapter molecule that mediates binding to the target antigen (Adapter-LV). While Direct-LV can bind to cells expressing the target antigen, Adapter-LV only binds to the cells in presence of a tagged adapter that is specific for the target antigen.
  • FIG 2 Generation of lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with CDV envelope proteins.
  • Lentiviral vectors were generated by transient transfection of HEK-293T cells using plasmids encoding the envelope proteins for attachment (H) and fusion (F), helper plasmids encoding gag, pol and rev and the plasmid encoding the transgene (GFP).
  • H envelope proteins for attachment
  • F helper plasmids encoding gag, pol and rev
  • GFP transgene
  • particles were produced with plasmids encoding the full-length F protein (Fwt) or encoding a FcA30 with a truncated cytoplasmic domain.
  • Plasmids encoding the full-length H protein (Hwt) or H proteins with a truncated cytoplasmic domain (HcA14-34) fused to an a-biotin scFv (SEQ ID NO: 18) were compared.
  • the transfection efficiency was be determined by quantification of the transgene expression by flow cytometry.
  • Functional titers were quantified by transducing biotinylated SupTl cells with serially diluted retroviral vector. Transduction efficiency was analyzed four days post transduction by quantification of marker positive cells.
  • LV titers are represented as transducing units per volume (TU/mL), calculated by the ratio of transduced cells and applied LV volume.
  • H protein A Surface expression of the H protein is shown.
  • HEK293T cells were stained with fluorescently labeled biotin, followed by flow cytometry.
  • B Transfection efficiency of the transfer vector is shown, which was analyzed by quantification of GFP positive cells using flow cytometry.
  • C Titers of unconcentrated retroviral vector particles (HcA14-34 with Fwt or FcA30) are shown.
  • D Titers of concentrated retroviral vector particles (HcA24 or HcA30 with FcA30) are shown.
  • FIG 3 Comparison of CDV and MV-pseudotyped LV.
  • Lentiviral vectors were generated by transient transfection of HEK-293T cells using plasmids encoding the envelope proteins for attachment (H) and fusion (F), helper plasmids encoding gag, pol and rev and the plasmid encoding the transgene (GFP).
  • CDV-LVs were produced with plasmids encoding the full-length F protein (Fwt) or encoding a FcA30 with a truncated cytoplasmic domain.
  • Plasmids encoding the full-length H protein (Hwt) or H proteins with a truncated cytoplasmic domain (HcA24-34) fused to an a-biotin scFv (SEQ ID NO: 18) were compared.
  • MV-LV were produced with plasmids encoding a FcA30 with a truncated cytoplasmic domain together with the H protein with a truncated cytoplasmic domain (HcA18) fused to an a-biotin scFv (SEQ ID NO: 18).
  • the transfection efficiency was be determined by quantification of the transgene expression by flow cytometry.
  • LV titers are represented as transducing units per volume (TU/mL), calculated by the ratio of transduced cells and applied LV volume.
  • H protein A Surface expression of the H protein is shown.
  • HEK293T cells were stained with fluorescently labeled biotin, followed by flow cytometry.
  • C Titers of unconcentrated retroviral vector particles (HcA24-34 with Fwt or FcA30) are shown.
  • FIG 4 Generation of CDV-LVs with alternative truncations in H and F proteins.
  • Lentiviral vectors were generated by transient transfection of HEK-293T cells using plasmids encoding the envelope proteins for attachment (H) and fusion (F), helper plasmids encoding gag, pol and rev and the plasmid encoding the transgene (GFP).
  • the LVs were produced with plasmids encoding the encoding a Fc A26, Fc A28, or FcA30 with a truncated cytoplasmic domain. Additional, N-terminally truncated F with unmodified cytoplasmic tail (SEQ ID NO:22) or FcA30 with truncated cytoplasmic tail (SEQ ID NO:23) were compared.
  • Plasmids encoding the full-length H protein (Hwt) or H proteins with a truncated cytoplasmic domain (HcA20-34) fused to an a-biotin scFv (SEQ ID NO: 18) were compared.
  • the transfection efficiency was be determined by quantification of the transgene expression by flow cytometry.
  • Functional titers were quantified by transducing biotinylated SupTl cells with serially diluted retroviral vector. Transduction efficiency was analyzed four days post transduction by quantification of marker positive cells.
  • LV titers are represented as transducing units per volume (TU/mL), calculated by the ratio of transduced cells and applied LV volume. A Surface expression of the H protein is shown. For this, HEK293T cells were stained with fluorescently labeled biotin, followed by flow cytometry.
  • FIG 5 Transduction of PBMC with GFP encoding CDV-Adapter-LV.
  • PBMC Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • Retroviral vector particles with envelope proteins that are fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically bind biotin (SEQ ID NO: 18) were used. Transduction efficiency was analyzed five days post transduction, by staining for the targeted antigen and quantification of GFP-expressing cells using flow cytometry.
  • a Transduction efficiency of CD8+ T cells is shown.
  • B Transduction efficiency of CD4+ T cells is shown.
  • FIG 6 Transduction of PBMC with CD20CAR encoding CDV-Adapter-LV.
  • PBMC Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • Retroviral vector particles with envelope proteins that are fused at the ectodomain to a biotin-binding polypeptide comprising either SEQ ID NO: 18 (CDV-Bio3) or SEQ ID NO:21 (CDV-Bio2) were used. Transduction efficiency was analyzed six days post transduction, by staining for the targeted antigen and the transduction marker LNGFR, followed by quantification of LNGFR-expressing cells using flow cytometry.
  • FIG 7 Generation of CAR-T cells with CDV-Adapter-LV
  • Pan T cells of four healthy donors were isolated from buffy coat and activated over night by cultivation in TexMACSTM supplemented with IL7, IL 15 and Trans ActTM. The next day, the cells were transduced with CD20CAR encoding retroviral vector particles at a dose of 0.5 TU/cell alone (w/o), in presence of either biotinylated a-CD4 f(ab)2 or a-CD8 f(ab)2 alone or in a mixture of both in a ratio of 1 : 1 or 5 : 1. Retroviral vector particles with envelope proteins that are fused at the ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds biotin (SEQ ID NO: 18) were used. Transduction efficiency was analyzed twelve days post transduction by staining for the targeted antigen and the transduction marker, followed by flow cytometry analysis.
  • FIG 8 Surface expression of CDV-HcA30 fused to CD4 or CD8 specific scFv for the generation of direct-targeted CDV-LV
  • HEK-293T cells were left untreated (mock) or were transfected with plasmids encoding CDV H proteins fused at the ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds CD8 comprising SEQ ID NO: 9 or CD4 comprising SEQ ID NO: 24 or SEQ ID NO: 6.
  • Surface expression of the CDV-HcA30 was determined by flow cytometry two days post transfection upon staining for the N-terminal HIS-tag.
  • CDV-HcA30-CD8 (clone BW135) (SEQ ID NO: 9) and CDV-HcA30- CD4 (clone MT4-66) (SEQ ID NO: 24).
  • FIG 9 Productivity of CD4 and CD8-specific direct-targeted CDV-LV
  • LV titers were quantified by transducing SupTl cells with serially diluted retroviral vector. Transduction efficiency was analyzed four days post transduction by quantification of marker positive cells. LV titers are represented as transducing units per volume (TU/mL), calculated by the ratio of transduced cells and applied LV volume.
  • CD4 SEQ ID NO: 6
  • CD8 SEQ ID NO: 9
  • FIG 10 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG 10
  • Lentiviral vectors were generated by transient transfection of HEK-293T cells using plasmids encoding the envelope proteins for attachment (H) and fusion (F), helper plasmids encoding gag, pol and rev and the plasmid encoding the transgene (GFP).
  • CDV-LVs were produced with plasmids encoding a FcA30 with a truncated cytoplasmic domain. Plasmids encoding the H proteins with a truncated cytoplasmic domain (HcA30) fused at the ectodomain to a CD8- binding polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 9 or SEQ ID: 25 were compared.
  • the transfection efficiency was be determined by quantification of the transgene expression by flow cytometry. Functional titers were quantified by transducing SupTl cells with serially diluted retroviral vector. Transduction efficiency was analyzed four days post transduction by quantification of marker positive cells. LV titers are represented as transducing units per volume (TU/mL), calculated by the ratio of transduced cells and appli ed LV volume. A Surface expression of the H protein is shown. For this, HEK293T cells were stained for the C-terminal HIS-tag of the scFV, followed by flow cytometry.
  • FIG 11 Transduction of PBMC with direct-targeted CDV-LV
  • PBMC Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • FIG 12 Generation of CAR-T cells with direct-targeted CDV-LV
  • Pan T cells of two healthy donors were isolated from buffy coat and activated over night by cultivation in TexMACSTM supplemented with IL7, IL 15 and Trans ActTM. The next day, the cells were transduced with CD20CAR encoding retroviral vector particles at a dose of 1 TU/cell. Retroviral vector particles with envelope proteins that are fused at the ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds CD4 (SEQ ID NO:6) (CDV-CD4) or CD8 (SEQ ID NO:9) (CDV-CD8) were used. Transduction efficiency was analyzed twelve days post transduction by staining for the targeted antigen and the transduction marker, followed by flow cytometry. A Transduction efficiency of CD8+ T cells is shown.
  • FIG 13 Generation of CAR T cells in vivo.
  • mice were transplanted with human PBMC by i.v. injection of IxlO 7 cells per mouse. The next day, the mice were i.p. injected with 50pg of adapter molecules when using aCD8- or aCD4- fab alone or 25 pg of each fab molecule when using a combination. About 2-3h post adapter injection respective mice were i.v. injected with of CD8-specific, CD4-specific (Direct- LV) or biotin-specific CDV-LV (Adapter-LV) encoding a CD20CAR. CAR expressing T cells were quantified from blood on day 7 and 13 post transduction. On day 16-17 post transduction, the mice were sacrificed and blood, bone marrow and spleen tissue samples were analyzed by staining for transduced T cells using flow cytometry.
  • the present invention provides a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), and wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises at least one nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a transgene, and wherein said retroviral vector particle is a lent
  • Said polypeptide that specifically binds to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell may be a polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain specific for a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell.
  • Said antigen binding domain (of an antibody) may be e.g. a Fab (fragment antigen binding), scFv (single chain fragment variable), single domain antibodies, diabodies, dsFv, Fab’, or single-chain antibody molecules.
  • Fab fragment antigen binding
  • scFv single chain fragment variable
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein, wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus (of both the protein H and the envelope protein with fusion activity) is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV).
  • said Paramyxoviridae virus (of both the protein H and the envelope protein with fusion activity) is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV).
  • the nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a transgene may be a nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a chimeric antigen receptor or a T cell receptor TCR.
  • CDV canine distemper virus
  • said protein H of CDV lacks at least one part of the cytoplasmic region of said protein H, wherein said protein H is an N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said envelope protein with fusion activity (protein F) of CDV lacks at least one part of the cytoplasmic region of said protein F, wherein said protein F is a C- terminal truncated protein F.
  • said C-terminal truncated protein F comprises an N- terminal signal peptide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 12.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle is a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), and wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding a transgene, and wherein said retrovir
  • said truncated protein H is HcA30.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions D526A, I527S, S528A, R529A, Y547A and T548A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions V478L, L479D, T544S and T548A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions S194I, V195R, V478L, L479D, T544S and T548A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions Y525A, D526A and R529A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions D526S, I527S, S528A and R529A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions V478L, L479P, T544S and T548P as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions S194I, V195R, V478L, L479P, T544S and T548P as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions D526A, I527S, S528A, R529A, Y547A and T548A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions S194I, V195R, V478L, L479D, T544S and T548A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions Y525A, D526A and R529A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions D526S, I527S, S528A and R529A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions V478L, L479P, T544S and T548P as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions S194I, V195R, V478L, L479P, T544S and T548P as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein the N-terminal signal peptide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 12 is present in said truncated protein F.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said polypeptide of said envelope protein with antigen-binding activity that comprises an antigen binding domain specific for a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell is specific for the target antigen CD4 or CD8.
  • said polypeptide of said envelope protein with antigen-binding activity comprises an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO:4 (VL) and SEQ ID NO: 5 (VH), preferentially in the order of sequence from N- to C-terminus VL-VH , if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD4, or an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO:7 (VL) and SEQ ID NO:8 (VH), if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD8, preferentially in the order of sequence from N- to C-terminus VL-VH.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle is pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), and wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding a transgene, and wherein said retroviral vector
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said protein F is a C-terminal truncated protein F, wherein the N-terminal signal peptide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 12 is present in said truncated protein F.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein, wherein said polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain specific for said target antigen expressed on the surface of a T cell is specific for the antigen CD4 and comprises SEQ ID NO:6, or wherein said polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain specific for a target antigen expressed on the surface of a T cell is specific for the antigen CD8 and comprises SEQ ID NOV.
  • said polypeptide of said envelope protein with antigen-binding activity comprises an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NON and SEQ ID NO:5 (anti-CD4), if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD4, or an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:8 (anti-CD8), if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD8, and wherein said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprises a modulating protein comprising a functional ectodomain comprising an antigen binding domain specific for the antigen CD3.
  • Said modulating protein may comprise:
  • Said cytoplasmic domain of said modulating protein may comprise a viral incorporation motif.
  • Said viral incorporation motif of said modulating protein may be the incorporation motif of gp41 (ENV of HIV), preferentially comprising SEQ ID NO:2.
  • Said transmembrane domain of said modulating protein may be e.g. the transmembrane domain of CD8, CD28 or PDGFR.
  • Said transmembrane domain of said modulating protein may be the transmembrane domain of CD8 comprising SEQ ID NO:3.
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle wherein said antigen binding domain of said modulating protein specific for the antigen CD3 may comprise SEQ ID NO: 1 (mut Oct3 clone).
  • Said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein, wherein said at least one nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a transgene is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for an antigen expressed on the surface of a second target cell such as a cancer cell, or wherein said at least one nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a transgene is a T cell receptor (TCR) with specificity for an antigen of a second target cell such as a cancer cell.
  • CAR chimeric antigen receptor
  • TCR T cell receptor
  • pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein, wherein said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprises at least a second nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding at least a second transgene such as a cytokine such as IL7, IL 15, or IL21.
  • a second transgene such as a cytokine such as IL7, IL 15, or IL21.
  • the present invention provides a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein for use in immunotherapy.
  • the present invention provides a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein for use in treatment of a disease in a subject in need thereof.
  • the disease may be a cancer, an autoimmune disease or an infectious disease.
  • the transgene may be a CAR specific for a tumor associated antigen (TAA) or a tumor specific antigen (TSA) expressed on the surface of a cancer cell.
  • TAA tumor associated antigen
  • TSA tumor specific antigen
  • the present invention provides a composition comprising i) a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a tag of a tagged polypeptide, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbil
  • Said polypeptide that specifically binds to a tag of a tagged polypeptide may be a polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain specific for a tag of a tagged polypeptide.
  • said protein H of CDV lacks at least one part of the cytoplasmic region of said protein H, wherein said protein H is an N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said envelope protein with fusion activity (protein F) of CDV lacks at least one part of the cytoplasmic region of said protein F, wherein said protein F is a C-terminal truncated protein F.
  • said C-terminal truncated protein F comprises an N- terminal signal peptide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 12.
  • composition wherein said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10, and wherein said truncated protein F is FcA26-A30 as compared to the unmodified protein F set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11.
  • said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein F is FcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein F set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11).
  • said truncated protein H is HcA30.
  • said truncated protein H is HcA21-A32 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions D526A, I527S, S528A, R529A, Y547A and T548A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • said protein H is a N-terminal truncated protein H, and wherein said truncated protein H is HcA30 (as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10), and wherein said truncated protein H comprises the amino acid substitutions of positions D526A, I527S, S528A, R529A, Y547A and T548A as compared to the unmodified protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • composition wherein the N-terminal signal peptide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 12 is present in said truncated protein F.
  • composition wherein said tagged polypeptide that binds specifically to a target antigen expressed on the surface of an immune cell comprises an antigen binding domain specific for the target antigen CD4 or CD8.
  • said antigen binding domain of said tagged polypeptide comprises an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO:4 (VL) and SEQ ID NO:5 (VH), if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD4, or an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO:7 (VL) and SEQ ID NO:8 (VH), if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD8.
  • Said composition, wherein said tag of said tagged polypeptide may be e.g. a hapten or dextran or a peptide such as a neo-peptide.
  • composition wherein said tag of said tagged polypeptide may be biotin (a hapten).
  • said tag of said tagged polypeptide may be biotin
  • said polypeptide that specifically binds to said tag of said tagged polypeptide may comprise an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO: 16 (VL) and SEQ ID NO: 17 (VH), preferentially in the order of sequence from N- to C-terminus VL-VH, or an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO: 19 (VL) and SEQ ID NO:20 (VH), preferentially in the order of sequence from N- to C-terminus VL-VH.
  • said tag of said tagged polypeptide may be biotin
  • said polypeptide that specifically binds to said tag of said tagged polypeptide may comprise SEQ ID NO: 18. or SEQ ID NO:21.
  • said polypeptide that specifically binds to biotin of said biotinylated polypeptide may comprise SEQ ID NO:21.
  • said antigen binding domain of said tagged polypeptide comprises an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:5, if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD4, or an antigen binding domain comprising SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:8, if the specificity of said polypeptide is for the target antigen CD8, and wherein said pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprises a modulating protein comprising a functional ectodomain comprising an antigen binding domain specific for the antigen CD3.
  • composition wherein said antigen binding domain of said modulating protein specific for the antigen CD3 comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 (mut Oct3 clone).
  • composition wherein said at least one nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a transgene is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for an antigen expressed on the surface of a second target cell such as a cancer cell, or wherein said at least one nucleic acid encoding a transgene is a T cell receptor (TCR) with specificity for an antigen of a second target cell such as a cancer cell.
  • CAR chimeric antigen receptor
  • TCR T cell receptor
  • the present invention provides a combination (of compositions) comprising i) (a first composition comprising) a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a tag of a tagged polypeptide, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), and ii) (a second composition comprising) said tagged polypeptide, wherein said tagged polypeptide
  • the present invention provides a composition or a combination of compositions as disclosed herein for use in immunotherapy.
  • the present invention provides a composition or combination of compositions as disclosed herein for use in treatment of a disease in a subject in need thereof.
  • the disease may be a cancer, an autoimmune disease or an infectious disease.
  • the transgene may be a CAR specific for a tumor associated antigen (TAA) or a tumor specific antigen (TSA) expressed on the surface of a cancer cell.
  • TAA tumor associated antigen
  • TSA tumor specific antigen
  • the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising i) a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprising a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), and wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises at least one nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a transgene, and wherein said retroviral vector particle is
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients may comprise buffers such as neutral buffered saline, phosphate buffered saline and the like; carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, sucrose or dextrans, mannitol; proteins; polypeptides or amino acids such as glycine; antioxidants; chelating agents such as EDTA or glutathione; adjuvants (e.g., aluminum hydroxide); and preservatives.
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art.
  • the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising i) a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprising a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a tag of a tagged polypeptide, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises at least one nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding a transgene, and wherein said retroviral vector particle is a lentivi
  • the present invention provides an in-vitro method for the generation of a sample of genetically modified T cells comprising a) providing a sample comprising T cells b) genetic modification of the T cells by targeted transduction with a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises
  • said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a tag of a tagged polypeptide, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), and wherein said pseudotyped retroviral vector is in combination with said tagged polypeptide, wherein said tagged polypeptide binds specifically to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a T cell; and wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises at least one nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding
  • Said in-vitro method wherein said method is performed in less than 144 hours, less than 120 hours, less than 96 hours, less than 72 hours, less than 48 hours, less than 24 hours, less than 12 hours, less than 6 hours, less than 2 hours, less than hours, less than 30 minutes, or less than 15 minutes.
  • the present invention provides an in-vivo method for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to said subject a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is
  • the present invention provides an in-vivo method for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof comprising i) administering to said subject a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprising a) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a tag of a tagged polypeptide, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, b) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), and ii) administering to said subject said tagged polypeptide, wherein said tagged polypeptide binds
  • the present invention provides a plasmid vector system (a kit) for generation of a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprising a) a nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding the envelope for a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises i) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, ii) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbill
  • the present invention provides a plasmid vector system (a kit) for generation of a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprising a) a nucleic acid sequence/molecule encoding the envelope for a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle, wherein said retroviral vector particle comprises i) an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity, wherein said envelope protein is a recombinant protein that does not interact with at least one of its native receptors and is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide that specifically binds to a tag of a tagged polypeptide, and wherein said envelope protein is protein H of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, ii) an envelope protein with fusion activity of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, and wherein said Paramyxoviridae virus is a virus of the morbillivirus genus, and wherein said virus of the morbillivirus genus is a canine distemper virus (CDV), b
  • a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may be used to transduce cells in vivo at any effective dosage.
  • the viral particle is administered to a subject in vivo by application to the tissue, the organ or to the blood circulation of a subject in need of therapy.
  • the adapter (tagged polypeptide) may be administered to a subject in vivo - in addition to the viral particle - by application to the tissue, the organ or to the blood circulation of a subject in need of therapy, said administration of the said adapter may be before, simultaneous to or after the administration of said viral particle.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may be administered via a route of parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutanous, intratumoral, intraperitoneal, or intralymphatic administration.
  • the viral particle may be administered multiple times.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may be administered intratumorally to a subject and thereby transduces a T cell portion of the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes at the tumor site.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may be administered intravenously to a subject, and thereby transduces the T cells in the circulatory blood system.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may be administered by intra lymphnode injection to a subject, and thereby transduces the T cells in the lymph node.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may be administered by intra splenic injection to a subject, and thereby transduces the T cells in the spleen.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may also be delivered to a subject according to viral titer (TU/mL).
  • the amount of the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein directly injected may be determined by total TU and can vary based on both the volume that could be feasibly injected to the site and the type of tissue to be injected.
  • the viral titer delivered is about 1 x 10 5 to 1 x 10 6 , about 1 x 10 5 to 1 x 10 7 , 1 x 10 5 to lx 10 7 , about 1 x 10 6 to 1 x 10 9 , about 1 x 10 7 to 1 x IO 10 , about 1 x 10 7 to 1 x 10 11 , or about 1 x 10 9 to 1 x 10 11 TU.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may transduce T cells that are provided in a cell culture, and thereby may activate and transduce the T cells of the cell culture. The transduced T cells may be expanded to a therapeutically effective amount. The expanded T cells may be subsequently administered to a subject in need thereof.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may transduce T cells that are provided in a closed system that may be an automated manufacturing system, and thereby may transduce the T cells of the cell culture.
  • the transduced T cells may be expanded to a therapeutically effective amount.
  • the expanded T cells may be subsequently administered to a subject in need thereof.
  • compositions of the present invention may comprise a combination of any number of the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein, and optionally one or more additional pharmaceutical agents (polypeptides, polynucleotides, compounds etc.) formulated in pharmaceutically acceptable compositions for administration to a cell, tissue, organ, or a subject, either alone, or in combination with one or more other modalities of therapy.
  • the one or more additional pharmaceutical agent further increases transduction efficiency of vectors.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may deliver a protein of interest that may be used for vaccination purposes or gene editing with, for example, Crispr/Cas.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein may be integration-deficient.
  • Retroviridae is a virus family with a single-stranded, diploid, positive-sense RNA genome that is reverse-transcribed into a DNA intermediate that is then incorporated into the host cell genome.
  • Aetrow'rzt/ae-derived viruses are enveloped particles with a diameter of 80-120 nm.
  • (Retro- /lenti- /gammaretro-) viral vectors are replication-deficient viral particles that are derived from the corresponding virus family. They contain Gag and Pol proteins, a singlestranded RNA genome and are usually pseudotyped with heterologous envelope proteins derived from other viruses.
  • the RNA genome of said viral vectors do not contain any viral gene to produce viral progeny, but psi elements and LTRs that are required for efficient packing and reverse transcription into DNA.
  • the DNA intermediate may contain a gene of interest under the control of a suitable promoter, for example, the CMV promoter and the gene of interest is expressed upon integration of said DNA into the genome of the host cell.
  • a suitable promoter for example, the CMV promoter
  • the process of entering the host cell, delivering the RNA genome, integration and expression of the gene of interest is called transduction.
  • transduction The minimal requirements of a gammaretrovirus or lentivirus based viral vector has been well-described in the art.
  • ID-RVs integrase-deficient retroviral vectors
  • ID-RVs are derived from conventional retroviral vectors but contain no or a mutated form of the retroviral integrase.
  • ID- RVs are useful tools to express the gene of interest transiently.
  • the definition of retroviral vectors and transduction also extents the integration-deficient retroviral vectors and its application.
  • Lentivirus is a genus of Retroviridae that cause chronic and deadly diseases characterized by long incubation periods, in the human and other mammalian species.
  • the best-known lentivirus is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which can efficiently infect nondividing cells, so lentiviral derived retroviral vectors are one of the most efficient methods of gene delivery.
  • HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Gammaretroviridae is a genus of the Retroviridae family. Representative species are the murine leukemia virus (MLV) and the feline leukemia virus (FLV). Paramyxoviridae is a family of viruses in the order of Mononegavirales. There are currently 49 species in this family, divided among 7 genera. Diseases associated with this virus family include measles, mumps, and respiratory tract infections. Members of this virus family are enveloped viruses with a non-segmented, negative-strand RNA genome of about 16 kb. Two membrane proteins with two distinct functions appear as spikes on the virion surface. The H/HN/G proteins mediate binding to the receptor at the cell surface.
  • MMV murine leukemia virus
  • FLV feline leukemia virus
  • Paramyxoviridae is a family of viruses in the order of Mononegavirales. There are currently 49 species in this family, divided among 7 genera. Diseases associated with this virus family include measles, mumps, and respiratory
  • virus envelope protein(s) that have antigen binding activity refers to protein(s) on the viral envelope that are responsible for binding to complementary receptors or antigens on the cell membrane of a target cell.
  • virus envelope protein(s) that have antigen binding activity are virus envelope protein(s) that have antigen binding activity.
  • H/HN/G proteins Upon binding the H/HN/G proteins change their conformation that induces a process called fusion helper function, leading to subsequent conformational changes within the F protein that is mediating the fusion of the viral and cellular membrane.
  • the capsid and viral genome may now enter and infect or transduce the host cell.
  • virus envelope proteins(s) that have fusion activity refers to protein(s) that initiate fusion of viral and cellular membrane.
  • Paramyxoviridae F proteins refer to virus envelope protein(s) that have fusion activity.
  • ectodomain“ or “extracellular part/domain” as used herein refers to a domain of a membrane protein that extends into the extracellular space (the space outside a cell or virion).
  • activation refers to inducing physiological changes of a cell that increase target cell function, proliferation and/or differentiation.
  • pseudotyping or “pseudotyped” as used herein refers to a viral vector particle bearing envelope glycoproteins derived from other viruses having envelopes.
  • the host range of the lentiviral vectors or viral vector particles of the present invention can thus be expanded or altered depending on the type of cell surface receptor used by the glycoprotein.
  • modulating protein of a retroviral vector particle refers to a protein that may modulate, e.g. activate a T cell. This modulation or specifically this activation may be due to the binding of an antigen binding domain of said modulating protein to stimulatory or co-stimulatory receptors of T cells, e.g. CD3 expressed on the surface of T cells.
  • the gag, pol and env proteins needed to assemble the vector particle are provided in trans by means of a packaging cell line, for example, HEK-293T. This is usually accomplished by transfection of the packaging cell line with one or more plasmids containing the gag, pol and env genes.
  • the env gene originally derived from the same retrovirus as the gag and pol genes and as the RNA molecule or expression vector, is exchanged for the envelope protein(s) of a different enveloped virus.
  • the F and H or HN or G protein of Paramyxoviridae is used.
  • an exemplary pseudotyped vector particle based on the HIV-1 retrovirus comprises the (1) HIV-1 Gag and Pol proteins, (2) an RNA molecule derived from the HIV-1 genome that may be used to generate a retroviral vector particle based on the HIV-1 genome lacking the gag, env, pol, tat, vif, vpr, vpu and nef genes, but still comprising the LTRs, the psi element and a CMV promoter followed by the gene to be transduced, for example, a gene for the GFP protein, and (3) the F and H proteins of measles virus, for example, in a truncated form.
  • native receptor or “originally receptor” as used herein may be used interchangeably and refer to the receptor or antigen expressed on the cell surface of a cell that is bound by the naturally occurring virus envelope protein with antigen (receptor) binding activity.
  • the native measles virus receptors are SLAM, nectin-4 and CD46.
  • the native canine distemper virus receptors are SLAM and nectin-4.
  • Nipahvirus envelope proteins use ephrin-B2 and ephrin-B3 as receptors for entry.
  • one envelope protein with antigen-binding activity that does not interact with at least one of its native receptor(s) means that said protein has reduced or ablated interaction with at least one receptor of a cell that is normally targeted by the virus having said protein as described elsewhere herein.
  • Reduced interaction means that said truncated and/or mutated protein interacts with said at least one native receptor at least 50 % less efficient, at least 60 % less efficient, at least 70 % less efficient, at least 80 % less efficient, at least 90 % less efficient, at least 95 % less efficient, at least 99 % less efficient compared to the nonmutated protein.
  • said protein does not interact anymore with said at least one of its native receptors.
  • the interaction may be the binding of these two molecules to each other.
  • the less efficient interaction may be a reduced affinity of said protein to its native receptor.
  • Said envelope protein with antigen-binding activity may have more than one native receptors, then the reduction or ablation of interaction of one of these native receptors of said protein results in a reduced tropism of the vector particle.
  • the more interactions of said protein with its native receptors are inhibited by mutation the more effective is the reduction of tropism of the vector particle.
  • an envelope protein with antigen-binding activity has more than 2 native receptors, e.g. 3 native receptors, then preferentially said protein does not interact with the majority of its native receptors, e.g. 2 from 3.
  • the envelope protein with antigen-binding activity does not interact with all of its native receptors.
  • tropism refers to the host range or specificity of a virus or retroviral vector.
  • envelope protein with antigen-binding activity that is fused at its ectodomain to a polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain defines the host range of the retroviral vector.
  • the tagged polypeptide specific for antigen expressed on target cells defines the host range of the retroviral vector.
  • target cell refers to a cell which expresses an antigen (a marker) on its cell surface that should be recognized (bound) by the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein or the tagged polypeptide of the adaptable system as disclosed herein.
  • the target cell may be T cell, a primary T cell or a cell line derived from a T cell.
  • the target cell may be a mammalian cell such as a murine cell, preferentially the target cell is a human cell.
  • a mutation that ablates interaction of canine distemper virus H protein with SLAM and Nectin 4 may be e.g. the point mutation at position D526, 1527, S528, R529; Y547 and T548 according to amino acid number of SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein amino these amino acids are replaced with another amino acid and this mutation prevents or assists in preventing interaction of the H protein with SLAM and nectin-4 (Bah et al (2020); von Messing et al (2005)).
  • a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle "derived from”, for example, HIV-1, as used in the present invention, refers to a particle in which the genetic information for the RNA and/or the Gag and Pol proteins comprised by the vector particle originate from said retrovirus, in the above case, HIV-1.
  • the original retroviral genome can comprise mutations, such as deletions, frame shift mutations and insertions.
  • cytoplasmic domain refers to the portion of the respective protein that is adjacent to the transmembrane domain of the protein and, if the protein is inserted into the membrane under physiological conditions, extends into the cytoplasm or in case of viral particles reaching into the intravirion side.
  • cytoplasmic domain refers to the portion of the respective protein that is adjacent to the transmembrane domain of the protein and, if the protein is inserted into the membrane under physiological conditions, extends into the cytoplasm or in case of viral particles reaching into the intravirion side.
  • envelope proteins with antigen-binding function are characterized to date as type II membrane proteins, meaning that the cytoplasmic domain is located at the N-terminus of the envelope protein.
  • the cytoplasmic domain refers to the portion of the protein that reaches into the intravirion side.
  • the portion of the protein that reaches into the intravirion side may comprise at least 1, at least 2, at least 3 or at least 4 amino acids.
  • the cytoplasmic domain of the modulating protein may comprise a viral incorporation motif. Said incorporation motif may be the incorporation motif of gp 1.
  • pseudotyped retroviral vector particle comprises at least a second nucleic acid sequence/molecule
  • truncated refers to a deletion of amino acid residues of the designated protein. It is clear to the skilled person that a protein is encoded by a nucleic acid. Thus, “truncated” also refers to the corresponding coding nucleic acids in a nucleic acid molecule that codes for a given "truncated” protein.
  • truncated H or “truncated F” proteins, which designates the Paramyxoviridae, preferably Canine distemper virus H protein, F proteins, respectively, whose cytoplasmic portion has been partly or completely truncated, i.e. amino acid residues (or coding nucleic acids of the corresponding nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein) have been deleted.
  • the cytoplasmic portion of the F protein (termed Fc) is located at the C-terminus of the protein.
  • FcA30 For all envelope proteins with the cytoplasmic portion located at the C-terminus one begins counting from the C-terminal end of the protein when ascertaining the desired sequence.
  • FcA30 would refer to an F protein having deleted the last 30 amino acids counting from the C-terminal end of the protein F set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11. Consequently, for the F protein derived from Canine distemper virus strain 5840P FcA30 would refer to an F protein having a cytoplasmic domain comprising amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13.
  • the cytoplasmic portion of the H, HN or G protein is located at the N-terminus (termed He).
  • truncated protein H is HcA21-A32” in the context of the protein H of a CDV as used herein refers to any truncated protein H of the CDV having deleted the first 2 Ito 32 amino acids counting from the N-terminal end of the protein H set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 (the unmodified protein H): individually said truncated protein H may be:
  • the cytoplasmic domain of HcA21 comprises the amino acids as in SEQ ID NO: 14. Accordingly, the H protein derived from Canine Distemper virus strain 5840P the cytoplasmic domain of HcA30 comprises the amino acids as in SEQ ID NO: 15.
  • Modifications that allow truncation for efficient pseudotyping may be combined with modifications that ablate native receptor binding function.
  • the proteins of the present invention further include functional homologs.
  • a protein is considered a functional homolog of another protein for a particular function, if the homolog has a similar function as the original protein.
  • the homolog can be, for example, a fragment of the protein, or a substitution, addition, or deletion mutant of the protein.
  • Determining whether two amino acid sequences are substantially homologous is typically based on FASTA searches.
  • the amino acid sequence of a first protein is considered to be homologous to that of a second protein if the amino acid sequence of the first protein shares at least about 70 % amino acid sequence identity, preferably at least about 80% identity, and more preferably at least about 85 %, 90 %, 95 % or 99 % identity, with the sequence of the second protein.
  • Psi positive and psi negative refer to a nucleic acid molecule where the retroviral psi element is present and absent, respectively.
  • the psi element is a cis-acting signal located near the 5’ end of the retroviral genome and designates a packaging signal, which is of importance during assembly of the viruses and leads to the incorporation of the viral RNA into the viral core.
  • a psi negative RNA does not comprise the retroviral psi element and consequently will not be assembled into a vector particle of the present invention; in contrast, a psi positive RNA that does comprise said psi element will be effectively assembled into the vector particle.
  • a (target) cell or "cell (surface) marker”, as used in the present invention, refers to a molecule present on the surface of a cell, preferentially on a target cell.
  • molecules can be, inter alia, peptides or proteins that may comprise sugar chains or lipids, clusters of differentiation (CDs), antibodies or receptors. Since not all populations of cells express the same cell markers, a cell marker can thus be used to identify, select or isolate a given population of cells expressing a specific cell marker.
  • CD4 is a cell marker expressed by T helper cells, regulatory T cells, and monocytes.
  • T helper cells, regulatory T cells, and monocytes can be identified, selected or otherwise isolated, inter alia by a FACS cell sorter, by means of the CD4 cell marker.
  • tagged polypeptide that is specific for binding to a target antigen expressed on the surface of a T cell as used herein refers to a polypeptide that has bound thereto directly or indirectly at least one additional component, i.e. the tag.
  • the tagged polypeptide as used herein is able to bind a target antigen expressed on T cells, regularly CD4 or CD8.
  • the polypeptide may be an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds to said antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell.
  • the polypeptide of the tagged polypeptide alternatively may be a cytokine or a growth factor or another soluble polypeptide that is capable of binding to an antigen of a target cell.
  • adapter or “adapter molecule” as used herein refers to a tagged polypeptide that can bind to a target antigen of a cell such as a T cell, e.g. antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a scFv, and has bound thereto directly or indirectly at least one additional component, i.e. the tag.
  • the adapter or adapter molecule may by a tagged antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, a cytokine or a growth factor or another soluble polypeptide that is capable of binding to a target antigen of a T cell.
  • the retroviral vector particle specific for a tag as disclosed herein may bind to said adapter.
  • Such an adaptable retroviral vector system that comprises a pseudotyped retroviral vector particle specific for a tag and said tagged polypeptide specific for an antigen expressed on the surface of a target cell is disclosed e.g. in WO2019086351A1.
  • the tag of said tagged polypeptide may be e.g. a hapten or dextran and the hapten or dextran may be bound by the antigen binding domain of the polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain specific for the tag.
  • Said tag also may be a peptide such as a neo-peptide.
  • Haptens such as e.g. FITC, biotin, PE, streptavidin, thiamin or dextran are small molecules that elicit an immune response only when attached to a large carrier such as a protein; the carrier may be one that also does not elicit an immune response by itself.
  • the small-molecule hapten may also be able to bind to the antibody, but it will usually not initiate an immune response; usually only the hapten-carrier adduct can do this.
  • polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain specific for a tag refers to a polypeptide that can bind a tag of a tagged polypeptide.
  • the tagged polypeptide is different from the polypeptide that comprises the antigen binding domain specific for the tag.
  • the polypeptide comprising the antigen binding domain specific for a tag may be an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds to said tag of the tagged polypeptide.
  • polypeptide comprising an antigen binding domain specific for a tag refers to a polypeptide that can bind a tag of a tagged polypeptide.
  • the polypeptide comprising the antigen binding domain specific for a tag may be an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof such as a scFv or a nanobody that binds to said tag of the tagged polypeptide.
  • antibody as used herein is used in the broadest sense to cover the various forms of antibody structures including but not being limited to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (including full length antibodies), multispecific antibodies (e.g. bispecific antibodies), antibody fragments, i.e. antigen binding fragments of an antibody, immunoadhesins and antibody - immunoadhesin chimeras, that specifically recognize (i.e. bind) an antigen.
  • Antigen binding fragments comprise a portion of a full-length antibody, preferably the variable domain thereof, or at least the antigen binding site thereof (“an antigen binding fragment of an antibody”).
  • antigen binding fragments include Fab (fragment antigen binding), scFv (single chain fragment variable), single domain antibodies, diabodies, dsFv, Fab’, single-chain antibody molecules, and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments.
  • the term “antigen” is intended to include substances that bind to or evoke the production of one or more antibodies and may comprise, but is not limited to, proteins, peptides, polypeptides, oligopeptides, lipids, carbohydrates such as dextran, and combinations thereof, for example a glycosylated protein or a glycolipid.
  • antigen refers to a molecular entity that may be expressed on the surface of a target cell and that can be recognized by means of the adaptive immune system including but not restricted to antibodies or TCRs, or engineered molecules including but not restricted to endogenous or transgenic TCRs, CARs, scFvs or multimers thereof, Fab-fragments or multimers thereof, antibodies or multimers thereof, single chain antibodies or multimers thereof, or any other molecule that can execute binding to a structure with high affinity.
  • expression is defined as the transcription and/or translation of a particular nucleotide sequence driven by its promoter in a cell.
  • the term “subject” refers to an animal. Preferentially, the subject is a mammal such as mouse, rat, cow, pig, goat, chicken dog, monkey or human. More preferentially, the individual is a human.
  • the subject may be a subject suffering from a disease such as cancer, an autoimmune disease or an infectious disease.
  • administering refers to local and systemic administration, e.g., including enteral, parenteral, pulmonary, and topical/transdermal administration.
  • the administration may be directly intratumoral.
  • Routes of administration for pharmaceutical ingredients include, e.g., oral administration, nasal or inhalation administration, administration as a suppository, topical contact, transdermal delivery, intrathecal administration, intravenous administration, intraperitoneal administration, intramuscular administration, intralesional administration, or subcutaneous administration to a subject.
  • Administration can be by any route including parenteral and transmucosal (e.g, oral, nasal, vaginal, rectal, or transdermal).
  • Parenteral administration includes, e.g., intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrarenal, intraurethral, intracardiac, intracoronary, intramyocardial, intradermal, epidural, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intraventricular, ionophoretic and intracranial.
  • a recombinant protein is a biotechnologically generated protein that does not occur naturally in a eukaryotic and/or prokaryotic cell. Often it is composed of different domains from different proteins, e.g. as used herein, a viral envelope protein is fused (at its ectodomain) to a polypeptide that comprises an antigen binding domain specific for an antigen or for a tag.
  • the terms “having specificity for”, “specifically binds” or “specific for” with respect to an antigen-binding domain of an antibody or a fragment thereof refer to an antigen-binding domain which recognizes and binds to a specific antigen, but does not substantially recognize or bind other molecules in a sample.
  • An antigen-binding domain that binds specifically to an antigen from one species may bind also to that antigen from another species. This cross-species reactivity is not contrary to the definition of that antigen-binding domain as specific.
  • An antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to an antigen may bind also to different allelic forms of the antigen (allelic variants, splice variants, isoforms etc.). This cross reactivity is not contrary to the definition of that antigen-binding domain as specific.
  • Immunotherapy is a medical term defined as the "treatment of disease by inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response”. Immunotherapies designed to elicit or amplify an immune response are classified as activation immunotherapies, while immunotherapies that reduce or suppress are classified as suppression immunotherapies. Cancer immunotherapy as an activating immunotherapy attempts to stimulate the immune system to reject and destroy tumors. Adoptive cell transfer uses cell-based, preferentially T cell-based cytotoxic responses to attack cancer cells. T cells that have a natural or genetically engineered reactivity to a patient's cancer are generated in-vitro and then transferred back into the cancer patient or are directly generated in-vivo. Then the immunotherapy is referred to as “CAR T cell immunotherapy”.
  • treatment means to reduce the frequency or severity of at least one sign or symptom of a disease.
  • terapéuticaally effective amount or “therapeutically effective population” mean an amount of a cell population which provides a therapeutic benefit in a subject.
  • engineered cell and “genetically modified cell” as used herein can be used interchangeably.
  • the terms mean containing and/or expressing a foreign gene or nucleic acid sequence/molecule which in turn modifies the genotype or phenotype of the cell or its progeny.
  • the terms refer to the fact that cells, preferentially T cells can be manipulated by recombinant methods well known in the art to express stably or transiently peptides or proteins which are not expressed in these cells in the natural state.
  • T cells, preferentially human T cells are engineered to express an artificial construct such as a chimeric antigen receptor on their cell surface.
  • automated method or “automated process” as used herein refer to any process being automated through the use of devices and/or computers and computer software. Methods (processes) that have been automated require less human intervention and less human time. In some instances the method of the present invention is automated if at least one step of the present method is performed without any human support or intervention. Preferentially the method of the present invention is automated if all steps of the method as disclosed herein are performed without human support or intervention other than connecting fresh reagents to the system. Preferentially the automated process is implemented on a closed system such as CliniMACS Prodigy® (Miltenyi Biotec)..
  • the closed system may comprise a) a sample processing unit comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container (or centrifugation chamber) having at least one sample chamber, wherein the sample processing unit is configured to provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the sample separation unit comprising a separation column holder, a pump, and a plurality of valves configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column positioned in the holder, wherein the separation column is configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flown through the column.
  • This chamber may be flooded with defined gas mixes, provided by an attached gas mix unit (e.g. use of pressurized air/ N2 / CO2 or N2/CO2/O2).
  • All agents may be connected to the closed system before process initiation. This comprises all buffers, solutions, cultivation media and supplements, MicroBeads, used for washing, transferring, suspending, cultivating, harvesting cells or immunomagnetic cell sorting within the closed system. Alternatively, such agents might by welded or connected by sterile means at any time during the process.
  • the cell sample comprising T cells may be provided in transfer bags or other suited containers which can be connected to the closed system by sterile means.
  • providing a (cell) sample comprising T cells means the provision of a cell sample, preferentially of a human cell sample of hematologic origin.
  • the cell sample may be composed of hematologic cells from a donor or a patient.
  • Such blood product can be in the form of whole blood, buffy coat, leukapheresis, PBMCs or any clinical sampling of blood product. It may be from fresh or frozen origin.
  • cancer is known medically as a malignant neoplasm. Cancer is a broad group of diseases involving unregulated cell growth and includes all kinds of leukemia. In cancer, cells (cancerous cells) divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invading nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. There are over 200 different known cancers that affect humans. In general, T cells may be characterized based on their function and marker expression. Two main subgroups have been defined: CD4 expressing T cells (i.e. T helper cells) and CD8 expressing T cells (i.e. cytotoxic T cells). CD8 positive specifically lyse e.g.
  • cytokines such as interferons and interleukins.
  • cytokines may recruit other immune cells and may activate CD8+ T cells for a boosted and sustained cytolytic activity.
  • T cells differentiate into different phenotypes showing a specific memory or effector function profile.
  • Naive T cells have recently undergone positive and negative selection in the thymus and are considered to be early differentiated with high memory function but a low effector function. They can be identified by flow cytometry expressing CD45RA, CCR7 and CD62L and being negative for CD45RO, CD95 and IL-2Rbeta. Naive T cells in the blood are normally found in a quiescent state, which is characterized by small cell size, low proliferative capacity, low basal metabolic programs and low responsiveness to key cytokines, e.g. IL-2.
  • the terms resting T cells”, “quiescent T cells”, “unstimulated T cells “and “non-activated T cells” may be used interchangeably.
  • TSCM Stem cell memory T cells
  • Central memory T cells are characterized by a low effector function profile and a long persistence. Upon antigen encounter, this T cell subset expands rapidly and differentiate into T cells with effector function. They can be identified by flow cytometry expressing CD45RO, CCR7, CD62L, CD95 and IL-2Rbeta.
  • Effector memory T cells migrate to inflamed tissues and have an intermediate level of effector function. They can be identified by flow cytometry expressing CD45RO, CD95, IL- 2Rbeta and being negative for CCR7 and CD62L.
  • TEFF Effector T cells
  • a chimeric antigen receptor may comprise an extracellular domain (extracellular part) comprising the antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic signaling domain (intracellular signaling domain).
  • the extracellular domain may be linked to the transmembrane domain by a linker or spacer.
  • the extracellular domain may also comprise a signal peptide.
  • the CAR may be an adaptable CAR system (similar to the adaptable retroviral vector system) and may be then referred to as “antitag” CAR or “adapterCAR” or “universal CAR” as disclosed e.g. in US9233125B2.
  • a “signal peptide” refers to a peptide sequence that directs the transport and localization of the protein within a cell during or post translation, e.g. to a certain cell organelle (such as the endoplasmic reticulum) and/or the cell surface.
  • an “antigen binding domain” of a CAR refers to the region of the CAR that specifically binds to an antigen, e.g. to a tumor associated antigen (TAA) or tumor specific antigen (TSA).
  • TAA tumor associated antigen
  • TSA tumor specific antigen
  • the CARs of the invention may comprise one or more antigen binding domains (e.g. a tandem CAR).
  • the targeting regions on the CAR are extracellular.
  • the antigen binding domain of the CAR may comprise an antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof.
  • the antigen binding domain of the CAR may comprise, for example, full length heavy chain, Fab fragments, single chain Fv (scFv) fragments, nanobodies, divalent single chain antibodies or diabodies.
  • any molecule that binds specifically to a given antigen such as affibodies or ligand binding domains from naturally occurring receptors may be used as an antigen binding domain.
  • the antigen binding domain of a CAR is a scFv.
  • a scFv the variable regions of an immunoglobulin heavy chain and light chain are fused by a flexible linker to form a scFv.
  • a linker may be for example the “(G4S)3-linker”.
  • the antigen binding domain of the CAR it is beneficial for the antigen binding domain of the CAR to be derived from the same species in which the CAR will be used in.
  • the antigen binding domain of the CAR when it is planned to use it therapeutically in humans, it may be beneficial for the antigen binding domain of the CAR to comprise a human or humanized antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.
  • Human or humanized antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof can be made by a variety of methods well known in the art.
  • Spacer refers to the hydrophilic region which is between the antigen binding domain of the CAR and the transmembrane domain.
  • the CARs of the invention may comprise an extracellular spacer domain but is it also possible to leave out such a spacer.
  • the spacer may include e.g. Fc fragments of antibodies or fragments thereof, hinge regions of antibodies or fragments thereof, CH2 or CH3 regions of antibodies, accessory proteins, artificial spacer sequences or combinations thereof.
  • a prominent example of a spacer is the CD8alpha hinge.
  • the transmembrane domain of the CAR may be derived from any desired natural or synthetic source for such domain. When the source is natural the domain may be derived from any membrane-bound or transmembrane protein.
  • the transmembrane domain may be derived for example from CD8alpha or CD28.
  • the key signaling and antigen recognition modules domains
  • the CAR may have two (or more) transmembrane domains.
  • Splitting key signaling and antigen recognition modules enable for a small molecule-dependent, titratable and reversible control over CAR cell expression (e.g. WO2014127261A1) due to small molecule-dependent heterodimerizing domains in each polypeptide of the CAR.
  • the cytoplasmic signaling domain (the intracellular signaling domain or the activating endodomain) of the CAR is responsible for activation of at least one of the normal effector functions of the immune cell in which the CAR is expressed, if the respective CAR is an activating CAR (normally, a CAR as described herein refers to an activating CAR).
  • "Effector function" means a specialized function of a cell, e.g. in a T cell an effector function may be cytolytic activity or helper activity including the secretion of cytokines.
  • the intracellular signaling domain refers to the part of a protein which transduces the effector function signal and directs the cell expressing the CAR to perform a specialized function.
  • the intracellular signaling domain may include any complete, mutated or truncated part of the intracellular signaling domain of a given protein sufficient to transduce a signal which initiates or blocks immune cell effector functions.
  • Prominent examples of intracellular signaling domains for use in the CARs include the cytoplasmic signaling sequences of the T cell receptor (TCR) and co-receptors that initiate signal transduction following antigen receptor engagement.
  • TCR T cell receptor
  • T cell activation can be mediated by two distinct classes of cytoplasmic signaling sequences, firstly those that initiate antigen-dependent primary activation through the TCR (primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences, primary cytoplasmic signaling domain) and secondly those that act in an antigen-independent manner to provide a secondary or costimulatory signal (secondary cytoplasmic signaling sequences, co-stimulatory signaling domain).
  • primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences primary cytoplasmic signaling domain
  • secondly those that act in an antigen-independent manner to provide a secondary or costimulatory signal secondary cytoplasmic signaling sequences, co-stimulatory signaling domain.
  • an intracellular signaling domain of a CAR may comprise one or more primary cytoplasmic signaling domains and/or one or more secondary cytoplasmic signaling domains.
  • Primary cytoplasmic signaling domains that act in a stimulatory manner may contain ITAMs (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs).
  • ITAMs immunodeceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs.
  • IT AM containing primary cytoplasmic signaling domains often used in CARs are that those derived from TCR ⁇ (CD3Q, FcRgamma, FcRbeta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d. Most prominent is sequence derived from CD3 ⁇ .
  • the cytoplasmic domain of the CAR may be designed to comprise the CD3 ⁇ signaling domain by itself or combined with any other desired cytoplasmic domain(s).
  • the cytoplasmic domain of the CAR can comprise a CD3 ⁇ chain portion and a co-stimulatory signaling region (domain).
  • the co-stimulatory signaling region refers to a part of the CAR comprising the intracellular domain of a co-stimulatory molecule.
  • a co-stimulatory molecule is a cell surface molecule other than an antigen receptor or their ligands that is required for an efficient response of lymphocytes to an antigen.
  • Examples for a co-stimulatory molecule are CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), 0X40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen- 1 (LFA- 1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3.
  • LFA- 1 lymphocyte function-associated antigen- 1
  • the cytoplasmic signaling sequences within the cytoplasmic signaling part of the CAR may be linked to each other with or without a linker in a random or specified order.
  • a short oligo- or polypeptide linker which is preferably between 2 and 10 amino acids in length, may form the linkage.
  • a prominent linker is the glycine-serine doublet.
  • the cytoplasmic domain may comprise the signaling domain of CD3 ⁇ and the signaling domain of CD28.
  • the cytoplasmic domain may comprise the signaling domain of CD3 ⁇ and the signaling domain of CD137.
  • the cytoplasmic domain may comprise the signaling domain of CD3 ⁇ , the signaling domain of CD28, and the signaling domain of CD137.
  • CAR is an inhibitory CAR (referred to normally as “iCAR”)
  • said CAR may have the same extracellular and/or transmembrane domains as the activating CAR but differs from the activating CAR with regard to the endodmain.
  • the at least one endodomain of the inhibitory CAR may be a cytoplasmic signaling domain comprising at least one signal transduction element that inhibits an immune cell or comprising at least one element that induces apoptosis.
  • the CARs that may be transduced by the pseudotyped retroviral vector particle as disclosed herein present may be designed to comprise any portion or part of the above-mentioned domains as described herein in any order and/or combination resulting in a functional CAR.
  • the term “display” as used herein refers to a protein or peptide that is incorporated into the viral envelope, thereby presenting the extracellular domain outside the viral particle.
  • Example 1 CDV pseudotyped retroviral vector system
  • Retroviral vector particles can be pseudotyped with the H and F protein of canine distemper virus. Both envelope proteins are truncated in their cytoplasmic tail and the H protein is mutated to abolish binding to the natural receptors.
  • the H protein is fused with a polypeptide specific for a target antigen (Direct-LV) or specific for a tag on an adapter molecule that mediates binding to the target antigen (Adapter-LV). While the Direct-LV can bind to cells expressing the target antigen, the Adapter-LV is only able to bind cells in presence of a tagged adapter.
  • Two chains of the scFvs are linked via a 3(G4S) linker and may be present in either orientations (VH-VL or VL-VH).
  • the orientation can influence expression levels, stability, affinity to the tag of the tagged polypeptide ant the titer of the pseudotyped retroviral vector or virus-like particle thereof, respectively.
  • Pseudotyped retroviral vector particles specific for a tag of tagged polypeptide or a specific target antigen were generated by transient transfection of HEK-293T cells.
  • HEK-293T cells that were seeded in T175 flasks in DMEM/10 % FCS (Biowest, Cat.No. 12362; Biochrom, Cat.No.S0415) the day before were transfected with a plasmid encoding for the CDV-H attachment protein, a plasmid encoding for the CDV-F fusion protein, a packaging plasmid encoding gag/pol/rev and a psi-positive transfer vector plasmid encoding GFP or CD20CAR.
  • the pseudotyped retroviral vector particles were harvested 48 h post transfection. To remove cellular debris, the supernatant was collected, centrifuged for 10 min at 1000 rpm, followed by filtration through a 0.45 pm filter. To concentrate, the filtered supernatant was centrifuged through a 20 % sucrose (Sigma Aldrich, Cat.No. 84097-250 g, 20 % w/v in PBS) cushion for 24 h at 4 °C with 5350xg. The pelleted retroviral vectors were resuspended in 250 pl precooled PBS, aliquoted and stored at -80 °C for later use.
  • the producer cells were stained after vector harvest for expression of the CDV H protein by staining with fluorescently labeled biotin. Subsequently, transfection efficiency was determined by quantification of the H protein and GFP expressing cells using flow cytometry (FIG 2A,B; FIG 3A,B; FIG 4 A,B; FIG 10A,B).
  • transfection efficiency and expression of the transgenes is a prerequisite for efficient LV production. No significant differences in GFP expression confirmed successful transfection during the LV production (FIG 2B, 3B, 4B, 10B).
  • Surface expression of the H protein increased with increasing cytoplasmic tail truncation and peaked between 22 and 30 amino acid deletions (FIG 2B).
  • the surface expression of the CDV H protein was increased compared to the measles H protein (FIG 3 A).
  • Surface expression of the H proteins was independent of the co-expression with F proteins with different cytoplasmic tail truncations (FIG 4A).
  • H proteins fused to the biotin-specific scFV (SEQ ID NO: 18) and the CD8-sepcific scFV (SEQ ID NO: 9) were successfully expressed in HEK293T cells, no expression was achieved with H proteins fused to scFVs of SEQ ID 25 (FIG 10 A).
  • the LV particles were serially diluted in a RPMI and added to the cells or biotinylated cells. 96 h post transduction the transduction efficiency was determined by flow cytometry quantifying the ratio of GFP positive events. The ratio of GFP positive cells, the dilution factor and the volume of retroviral applied is used to calculate the retroviral vector titer (i.e. transducing units per volume (TU/ml) (FIG 2 C-D, FIG 3 C-D, FIG 4 C, FIG 9 A-B, FIG 10C).
  • the productivity of the CDV-LV increased with increasing truncation of the cytoplasmic tail of the H protein and peaked between a cytoplasmic tail truncation of 22-32 amino acids (FIG 2C).
  • H proteins are crucial for successful incorporation into retroviral vector particles. Surface expression was determined by transient transfection of HEK293T cells. For that, HEK293T cells were seeded in 6 wells with a density of 8xl0 5 cells/well one day before transfection. The HEK293T cells were transfected with the plasmids encoding the H protein. Two days post transfection the cells were stained for expression of the H protein via a HIS tag using the respective antibody (Miltenyi Biotec), followed by flow cytometry to determine the ratio of His positive cells (FIG 8 A,B). While CDV-H proteins fused to the scFV SEQ ID NO:6 and 9 were well expressed, only low expression levels were achieved for H proteins fused to the scFV with SEQ ID 24.
  • PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors were isolated from buffy coat using density gradient centrifugation.
  • PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors were isolated from buffy coat using density gradient centrifugation.
  • PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors were isolated from buffy coat using density gradient centrifugation.
  • PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors were isolated with 2.5xl0 5 cells/well in TexMACSTM medium supplemented with 12.5 ng/ml IL7 and 12.5 ng/ml IL15 and activated with TransActTM overnight in a 96-well plate. If required, the cells were incubated with adapter molecules for 30 min at 4 °C prior to transduction.
  • the cells were transduced with GFP or CD20CAR encoding Adapter-LVs or direct-targeted LV in presence or absence of Vectofusin-1® at a dose of 0.5-2.5 TU/cell.
  • Vectofusin-1® was used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The cell culture medium was replaced with fresh medium two days later, followed by regular splitting of the cells in a ratio of 1 :2 every other day. Transduction efficiency of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells was determined by flow cytometry five or twelve days post transduction after staining for the targeted antigens and the transduction marker (FIG 5 A-B, FIG 6 A-B, FIG 7 A-B, FIG 11 A-B, FIG 12 A-B). Selective transduction of CD4+ and CD8+T cells with all tested CDV-LVs was achieved.
  • PBMC of a healthy donor were isolated from leukaphereses by density gradient centrifugation. After overnight incubation of PBMC in TexMACSTM medium (12.5 ng/ml IL-7, 12.5 ng/ml IL- 15), IxlO 7 viable CD45+ cells were injected i.v. into NSG® mice (Charles River, France). One day later, respective animals were i.p. injected with either 50 pg CD8-fab or CD4 -fab adapter or with a mixture of both adapter molecules (25 pg CD4-fab + 25 pg CD8-fab). Between 2-3h post adapter injection LV was injected i.v. at a dose of 7.5xl0 7 TU/mouse.
  • FIG 13 A CAR-expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed in blood as early as 7 d post transduction (FIG 13B). Absence of CAR-expressing CD4+ T cells upon transduction with an CD8- mediated Adapter-LV or a CD8-specific Direct-LV and vice versa confirms selective transduction of the T cells in vivo (FIG 13 B-D). In addition, the CD4/CD8 ratio of the T cells shifted towards the transduced subset, suggesting a survival or proliferative advantage of transduced cells (FIG 13E).
  • SEQ ID NO: 2 (env incorporation signal (gp41)):
  • SEQ ID NO:3 (CD8 transmembrane domain):
  • SEQ ID NO: 12 N-terminal signal Sequence F protein
  • SEQ ID NO: 13 (cytoplasmic domain FcA30 of Canine distemper virus strain 5840P): ALLFLIYCCKRR SEQ ID NO: 14 (cytoplasmic domain of HcA21 of Canine distemper virus strain 5840P): MKLSLVTEEQGGRRPPY
  • SEQ ID NO: 15 (cytoplasmic domain of HcA30 of Canine distemper virus strain 5840P): MGRRPPY
  • VSV-G-LVs do not allow efficient gene transfer into unstimulated T cells, B cells, and HSCs because they lack the LDL receptor.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne une particule de vecteur rétroviral pseudotypé, ladite particule de vecteur rétroviral comprenant a) une protéine d'enveloppe ayant une activité de liaison à l'antigène, ladite protéine d'enveloppe étant une protéine recombinante qui n'interagit pas avec au moins l'un de ses récepteurs natifs et étant fusionnée au niveau de son ectodomaine à un polypeptide qui se lie de manière spécifique à un antigène cible exprimé sur la surface d'une cellule cible, et ladite protéine d'enveloppe étant la protéine H d'un virus de la famille des Paramyxoviridae, b) une protéine d'enveloppe ayant une activité de fusion d'un virus de la famille des Paramyxoviridae, et ladite particule de vecteur rétroviral comprenant au moins une séquence d'acide nucléique codant pour un transgène, et ladite particule de vecteur rétroviral étant une particule de vecteur lentiviral ou gammarétroviral.
PCT/EP2024/061623 2023-04-27 2024-04-26 Particule de vecteur rétroviral pseudotypée avec des protéines d'enveloppe du virus de la maladie de carré Pending WO2024223870A1 (fr)

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WO2025176853A1 (fr) 2024-02-22 2025-08-28 Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG Particules de vecteur rétroviral ciblant cd4 ou cd8 pour la génération de cellules exprimant un récepteur antigénique chimérique bispécifique

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