WO2019238022A1

WO2019238022A1 - Modified immune cells and uses thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2019238022A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/090632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Weiyue GU
Original assignee: Chineo Medical Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Chineo Medical Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-11
Filing date: 2019-06-11
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-11

Abstract

A modified immune cell overexpresses a chemokine. The compositions and methods herein are particularly useful for immune cell therapy for treating a wide variety of diseases, including but not limited to different types of cancers.

Description

MODIFIED IMMUNE CELLS AND USES THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims benefit of PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2018/090637 filed on June 11, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy can involve modifying a patient’s own immune cells to redirect cellular cytotoxicity to cells of interest, for example tumor cells. Modified immune cells, such as T cells, expressing chimeric antigen receptors can utilize endogenous immune cell signaling for immune cell cytotoxicity.

Conventional methods of immunotherapy suffer from various deficiencies. Such deficiencies include insufficient signaling from co-stimulatory receptors for persistent and/or adequate immune responses for therapeutic effects, inadequate specificity of modified immune cells for diseased cells such as cancer cells (e.g., on-target off-tumor effects and toxicities) , and activation of immunosuppressive mechanisms, all of which can minimize the effect of immune responses.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, there exists a considerable need for alternative systems and methods to carry out immunotherapy. The compositions and methods of the present disclosure address this need, and provide additional advantages as well. In particular, the various aspects of the disclosure provide systems for increasing expression of endogenous factors or inducing inexpression of exogenous factors to immune cells to enhance immune cell cytotoxicity.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a modified immune cell overexpressing a chemokine, wherein the immune cell is (i) a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ; (ii) a stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) ; or (iii) a T cell exhibiting specific binding to an antigen.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a modified immune cell comprising a sequence encoding an exogenous chemokine, wherein the immune cell is (i) a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ; (ii) a stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) ; or (iii) a T cell exhibiting specific binding to an antigen.

In some embodiments, the chemokine may be a CC chemokine, a CXC chemokine, a C chemokine, or a CX3C chemokine.

In some embodiments, the chemokine may be a CC chemokine selected from CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL6, CCL7, CCL8, CCL9, CCL10, CCL11, CCL12, CCL13, CCL14, CCL15, CCL16, CCL17, CCL18, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CCL22, CCL23, CCL24, CCL25, CCL26, CCL27, and CCL28.

In some embodiments, the chemokine may be a CXC chemokine selected from CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL7, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL15, CXCL16, and CXCL17.

In some embodiments, the chemokine may be a C chemokine selected from XCL1 and XCL2.

In some embodiments, the chemokine may be a CX3C chemokine, and the CX3C chemokine is CX3CL1.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of treating a cancer of a subject, comprising: (a) administering to a subject a modified immune cell of any one of the preceding claims; and (b) contacting a target cell of the cancer expressing an antigen with the modified immune cell under conditions that induces cytotoxicity of the modified immune cell against the target cell of the cancer, thereby inducing death of the target cell of the cancer.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a preparation process of neoantigen reactive (or recognizable) T cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The practice of some methods disclosed herein employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of immunology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, genomics and recombinant DNA, which are within the skill of the art. See for example Sambrook and Green, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 4th Edition (2012) ; the series Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (F.M. Ausubel, et al. eds. ) ; the series Methods In Enzymology (Academic Press, Inc. ) , PCR 2: A Practical Approach (M.J. MacPherson, B.D. Hames and G.R. Taylor eds. (1995) ) , Harlow and Lane, eds. (1988) Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, and Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique and Specialized Applications, 6th Edition (R.I. Freshney, ed. (2010) ) .

As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a, ” “an, ” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a switch molecule” includes a plurality of switch molecules.

The term “about” or “approximately” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within 1 or more than 1 standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1%of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold, of a value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value should be assumed.

As used herein, a “cell” can generally refer to a biological cell. A cell can be the basic structural, functional and/or biological unit of a living organism. A cell can originate from any organism having one or more cells. Some non-limiting examples include: a prokaryotic cell, eukaryotic cell, a bacterial cell, an archaeal cell, a cell of a single-cell eukaryotic organism, a protozoa cell, a cell from a plant (e.g. cells from plant crops, fruits, vegetables, grains, soy bean, corn, maize, wheat, seeds, tomatoes, rice, cassava, sugarcane, pumpkin, hay, potatoes, cotton, cannabis, tobacco, flowering plants, conifers, gymnosperms, ferns, clubmosses, hornworts, liverworts, mosses) , an algal cell, (e.g., Botryococcus braunii, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Nannochloropsis gaditana, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Sargassum patens C. Agardh, and the like) , seaweeds (e.g. kelp) , a fungal cell (e.g., a yeast cell, a cell from a mushroom) , an animal cell, a cell from an invertebrate animal (e.g. fruit fly, cnidarian, echinoderm, nematode, etc. ) , a cell from a vertebrate animal (e.g., fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal) , a cell from a mammal (e.g., a pig, a cow, a goat, a sheep, a rodent, a rat, a mouse, a non-human primate, a human, etc. ) , and etcetera. Sometimes a cell is not originating from a natural organism (e.g. a cell can be a synthetically made, sometimes termed an artificial cell) .

The term “antigen, ” as used herein, refers to a molecule or a fragment thereof capable of being bound by a selective binding agent. As an example, an antigen can be a ligand that can be bound by a selective binding agent such as a receptor. As another example, an antigen can be an antigenic molecule that can be bound by a selective binding agent such as an immunological protein (e.g., an antibody) . An antigen can also refer to a molecule or fragment thereof capable of being used in an animal to produce antibodies capable of binding to that antigen.

The term “neoantigen, ” as used herein, generally refers to tumor-specific antigens arising from mutations in a gene. The resulting mutated proteins, or fragments thereof, can trigger an antitumor T cell response.

The term “gene, ” as used herein, refers to a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA such as genomic DNA and cDNA) and its corresponding nucleotide sequence that is involved in encoding an RNA transcript. The term as used herein with reference to genomic DNA includes intervening, non-coding regions as well as regulatory regions and can include 5’ and 3’ ends. In some uses, the term encompasses the transcribed sequences, including 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions (5’-UTR and 3’-UTR) , exons and introns. In some genes, the transcribed region will contain “open reading frames” that encode polypeptides. In some uses of the term, a “gene” comprises only the coding sequences (e.g., an “open reading frame” or “coding region” ) necessary for encoding a polypeptide. In some cases, genes do not encode a polypeptide, for example, ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. In some cases, the term “gene” includes not only the transcribed sequences, but in addition, also includes non-transcribed regions including upstream and downstream regulatory regions, enhancers and promoters. A gene can refer to an “endogenous gene” or a native gene in its natural location in the genome of an organism. A gene can refer to an “exogenous gene” or a non-native gene. A non-native gene can refer to a gene not normally found in the host organism but which is introduced into the host organism by gene transfer. A non-native gene can also refer to a gene not in its natural location in the genome of an organism. A non-native gene can also refer to a naturally occurring nucleic acid or polypeptide sequence that comprises mutations, insertions and/or deletions (e.g., non-native sequence) .

The term “nucleotide, ” as used herein, generally refers to a base-sugar-phosphate combination. A nucleotide can comprise a synthetic nucleotide. A nucleotide can comprise a synthetic nucleotide analog. Nucleotides can be monomeric units of a nucleic acid sequence (e.g. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) ) . The term nucleotide can include ribonucleoside triphosphates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) , uridine triphosphate (UTP) , cytosine triphosphate (CTP) , guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates such as dATP, dCTP, dITP, dUTP, dGTP, dTTP, or derivatives thereof. Such derivatives can include, for example, [αS] dATP, 7-deaza-dGTP and 7-deaza-dATP, and nucleotide derivatives that confer nuclease resistance on the nucleic acid molecule containing them. The term nucleotide as used herein can refer to dideoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (ddNTPs) and their derivatives. Illustrative examples of dideoxyribonucleoside triphosphates can include, but are not limited to, ddATP, ddCTP, ddGTP, ddITP, and ddTTP. A nucleotide can be unlabeled or detectably labeled by well-known techniques. Labeling can also be carried out with quantum dots. Detectable labels can include, for example, radioactive isotopes, fluorescent labels, chemiluminescent labels, bioluminescent labels and enzyme labels.

The terms “polynucleotide, ” “oligonucleotide, ” and “nucleic acid” are used interchangeably to refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, or analogs thereof, either in single-, double-, or multi-stranded form. A polynucleotide can be exogenous or endogenous to a cell. A polynucleotide can exist in a cell-free environment. A polynucleotide can be a gene or fragment thereof. A polynucleotide can be DNA. A polynucleotide can be RNA. A polynucleotide can have any three dimensional structure, and can perform any function, known or unknown. A polynucleotide can comprise one or more analogs (e.g. altered backbone, sugar, or nucleobase) . If present, modifications to the nucleotide structure can be imparted before or after assembly of the polymer. Some non-limiting examples of analogs include: 5-bromouracil, peptide nucleic acid, xeno nucleic acid, morpholinos, locked nucleic acids, glycol nucleic acids, threose nucleic acids, dideoxynucleotides, cordycepin, 7-deaza-GTP, fluorophores (e.g. rhodamine or fluorescein linked to the sugar) , thiol containing nucleotides, biotin linked nucleotides, fluorescent base analogs, CpG islands, methyl-7-guanosine, methylated nucleotides, inosine, thiouridine, pseudourdine, dihydrouridine, queuosine, and wyosine. Non-limiting examples of polynucleotides include coding or non-coding regions of a gene or gene fragment, loci (locus) defined from linkage analysis, exons, introns, messenger RNA (mRNA) , transfer RNA (tRNA) , ribosomal RNA (rRNA) , short interfering RNA (siRNA) , short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) , micro-RNA (miRNA) , ribozymes, cDNA, recombinant polynucleotides, branched polynucleotides, plasmids, vectors, isolated DNA of any sequence, isolated RNA of any sequence, cell-free polynucleotides including cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free RNA (cfRNA) , nucleic acid probes, and primers. The sequence of nucleotides can be interrupted by non-nucleotide components.

The term “expression” refers to one or more processes by which a polynucleotide is transcribed from a DNA template (such as into an mRNA or other RNA transcript) and/or the process by which a transcribed mRNA is subsequently translated into peptides, polypeptides, or proteins. Transcripts and encoded polypeptides can be collectively referred to as “gene product. ” If the polynucleotide is derived from genomic DNA, expression can include splicing of the mRNA in a eukaryotic cell. “Up-regulated, ” with reference to expression, generally refers to an increased expression level of a polynucleotide (e.g., RNA such as mRNA) and/or polypeptide sequence relative to its expression level in a wild-type state while “down-regulated” generally refers to a decreased expression level of a polynucleotide (e.g., RNA such as mRNA) and/or polypeptide sequence relative to its expression in a wild-type state.

The term “overexpression” may refer to an increased expression of an endogenous protein (e.g., a receptor or a cytokine) in a cell. In some cases, the term “overexpression” may refer to an expression of an exogenous protein (e.g., a receptor or a cytokine) in a cell.

The term “regulating” with reference to expression or activity, as used herein, refers to altering the level of expression or activity. Regulation can occur at the transcription level and/or translation level.

The terms “peptide, ” “polypeptide, ” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a polymer of at least two amino acid residues joined by peptide bond (s) . This term does not connote a specific length of polymer, nor is it intended to imply or distinguish whether the peptide is produced using recombinant techniques, chemical or enzymatic synthesis, or is naturally occurring. The terms apply to naturally occurring amino acid polymers as well as amino acid polymers comprising at least one modified amino acid. In some cases, the polymer can be interrupted by non-amino acids. The terms include amino acid chains of any length, including full length proteins, and proteins with or without secondary and/or tertiary structure (e.g., domains) . The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified, for example, by disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, oxidation, and any other manipulation such as conjugation with a labeling component. The terms “amino acid” and “amino acids, ” as used herein, generally refer to natural and non-natural amino acids, including, but not limited to, modified amino acids and amino acid analogues. Modified amino acids can include natural amino acids and non-natural amino acids, which have been chemically modified to include a group or a chemical moiety not naturally present on the amino acid. Amino acid analogues can refer to amino acid derivatives. The term “amino acid” includes both D-amino acids and L-amino acids.

The terms “derivative, ” “variant, ” and “fragment, ” when used herein with reference to a polypeptide, refers to a polypeptide related to a wild type polypeptide, for example either by amino acid sequence, structure (e.g., secondary and/or tertiary) , activity (e.g., enzymatic activity) and/or function. Derivatives, variants and fragments of a polypeptide can comprise one or more amino acid variations (e.g., mutations, insertions, and deletions) , truncations, modifications, or combinations thereof compared to a wild type polypeptide.

As used herein, “fusion” can refer to a protein and/or nucleic acid comprising one or more non-native sequences (e.g., moieties) . A fusion can comprise one or more of the same non-native sequences. A fusion can comprise one or more of different non-native sequences. A fusion can be a chimera. A fusion can comprise a nucleic acid affinity tag. A fusion can comprise a barcode. A fusion can comprise a peptide affinity tag. A fusion can provide for subcellular localization of the site-directed polypeptide (e.g., a nuclear localization signal (NLS) for targeting to the nucleus, a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria, a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal, and the like) . A fusion can provide a non-native sequence (e.g., affinity tag) that can be used to track or purify. A fusion can be a small molecule such as biotin or a dye such as Alexa fluor dyes, Cyanine3 dye, Cyanine5 dye.

The phrase “exogenous T cell receptor (TCR) complex” or “exogenous TCR complex, ” as used herein, refers to a TCR complex in which one or more chains of the TCR are introduced into the genome of an immune cell that may or may not endogenously express the TCR. In some cases, an exogenous TCR complex can refer to a TCR complex in which one or more chains of an endogenous TCR complex have one or more mutated sequences, for example at either the nucleic acid or amino acid level. Expression of an exogenous TCR on an immune cell can confer binding specificity for an epitope or antigen (e.g., an epitope or antigen preferentially present on the surface of a cancer cell or other disease-causing cell or particle) . An exogenous TCR complex can comprise a TCR-alpha, a TCR-beta chain, a CD3-gamma chain, a CD3-delta chain, a CD3-zeta chain, or any combination thereof, which is introduced into the genome. In some cases, the chain introduced into the genome may replace the endogenously occurring chain.

The terms “subject, ” “individual, ” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a vertebrate, preferably a mammal such as a human. Mammals include, but are not limited to, murines, simians, humans, farm animals, sport animals, and pets. Tissues, cells and their progeny of a biological entity obtained in vivo or cultured in vitro are also encompassed.

The terms “treatment” and “treating, ” as used herein, refer to an approach for obtaining beneficial or desired results including but not limited to a therapeutic benefit and/or a prophylactic benefit. For example, a treatment can comprise administering a system or cell population disclosed herein. By therapeutic benefit is meant any therapeutically relevant improvement in or effect on one or more diseases, conditions, or symptoms under treatment. For prophylactic benefit, a composition can be administered to a subject at risk of developing a particular disease, condition, or symptom, or to a subject reporting one or more of the physiological symptoms of a disease, even though the disease, condition, or symptom may not have yet been manifested.

The term “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” refers to the quantity of a composition, for example a composition comprising immune cells such as lymphocytes (e.g., T lymphocytes and/or NK cells) of the present disclosure, that is sufficient to result in a desired activity upon administration to a subject in need thereof. Within the context of the present disclosure, the term “therapeutically effective” refers to that quantity of a composition that is sufficient to delay the manifestation, arrest the progression, relieve or alleviate at least one symptom of a disorder treated by the methods of the present disclosure.

The term “genetic profile, ” as used herein, refers to information about specific genes, including variations and gene expression in an individual or in a certain type of tissue. A genetic profile can be used for neoantigen selection. The term “somatic mutation profile, ” as used herein, refers to information about specific genes associated with somatic mutation, including but not limited to specific genes resulted from somatic mutation. A somatic mutation profile can be used for neoantigen selection.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a modified immune cell overexpressing a cytokine, for example a chemokine, wherein the immune cell is (i) a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ; (ii) a stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) ; or (iii) a T cell exhibiting specific binding to an antigen. The modified immune cell overexpressing the chemokine can be any modified immune cell provided herein.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a modified immune cell comprising a sequence encoding an exogenous cytokine, for example a chemokine, wherein the immune cell is (i) a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ; (ii) a stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) ; or (iii) a T cell exhibiting specific binding to an antigen. The modified immune cell expressing the sequence encoding the exogenous cytokine can be any modified immune cell provided herein.

Cytokines refer to proteins (e.g., chemokines, interferons, lymphokines, interleukins, and tumor necrosis factors) released by cells which can affect cell behavior. Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells such as macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and mast cells, as well as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and various stromal cells. A given cytokine can be produced by more than one type of cell. Cytokines can be involved in producing systemic or local immunomodulatory effects.

Certain cytokines can function as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines refer to cytokines involved in inducing or amplifying an inflammatory reaction. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can work with various cells of the immune system, such as neutrophils and leukocytes, to generate an immune response. Certain cytokines can function as anti-inflammatory cytokines. Anti-inflammatory cytokines refer to cytokines involved in the reduction of an inflammatory reaction. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, in some cases, can regulate a pro-inflammatory cytokine response. Some cytokines can function as both pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Certain cytokines, e.g., chemokines, can function in chemotaxis. Chemokines can induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells.

In some embodiments, the expression of a cytokine having pro-inflammatory and/or chemotactic functions can be increased in an immune cell. In some embodiments, the expression of an exogenous cytokine having pro-inflammatory and/or chemotactic functions can be induced in an immune cell. Increasing or inducing the expression of the cytokine having pro-inflammatory and/or chemotactic functions can be useful, for example, to stimulate an immune response against a target cell in immunotherapy. In some cases, the target cell can be a cell in a tumor or a cancer cell. Increasing or inducing the expression of the cytokine having pro-inflammatory and/or chemotactic functions can be useful, for example, to stimulate an immune response against the cell in the tumor or the cancer cell, thereby to induce death of the target cell.

Examples of such cytokines include, but are not limited to lymphokines, monokines, and traditional polypeptide hormones. Included among the cytokines are growth hormones such as human growth hormone, N-methionyl human growth hormone, and bovine growth hormone; parathyroid hormone; thyroxine; insulin; proinsulin; relaxin; prorelaxin; glycoprotein hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) , thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) , and luteinizing hormone (LH) ; hepatic growth factor; fibroblast growth factor; prolactin; placental lactogen; tumor necrosis factor; mullerian-inhibiting substance; mouse gonadotropin-associated peptide; inhibin; activin; vascular endothelial growth factor; integrin; thrombopoietin (TPO) ; nerve growth factors such as NGF-alpha; platelet-growth factor; transforming growth factors (TGFs) such as TGF-alpha, TGF-beta, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3; insulin-like growth factor-I and -II; erythropoietin (EPO) ; Flt-3L; stem cell factor (SCF) ; osteoinductive factors; interferons (IFNs) such as IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ; colony stimulating factors (CSFs) such as macrophage-CSF (M-CSF) ; granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF) ; granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF) ; macrophage stimulating factor (MSP) ; a tumor necrosis factor such as CD154, LT-beta, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, 4-1BBL, APRIL, CD70, CD153, CD178, GITRL, LIGHT, OX40L, TALL-1, TRAIL, TWEAK, TRANCE; and other polypeptide factors including LIF, oncostatin M (OSM) and kit ligand (KL) . Cytokine receptors refer to the receptor proteins which bind cytokines. Cytokine receptors may be both membrane-bound and soluble.

In some embodiments, the cytokine is an interleukin (IL-1) family member (e.g., ligand) , an IL-1 receptor family member, an interleukin-6 (IL-6) family member (e.g., ligand) , an IL-6 receptor, an interleukin-10 (IL-10) family member (e.g., ligand) , an IL-10 receptor, an interleukin-12 (IL-12) family member (e.g., ligand) , an IL-12 receptor, an interleukin-17 (IL-17) family member (e.g., ligand) , or an IL-17 receptor. Examples of the cytokine include IL-1 (IL-1a, IL-1b) , IL-1RA, IL-1F5, IL-1F6, IL-1F7, IL-1F8, IL-1RL2, IL-1F9, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-18BP, IL-20, IL-33, and IL-38.

Cytokine expression can be evaluated using a variety of methods. Cytokine expression can be evaluated by assaying cell culture media (e.g., in vitro production) in which the modified immune cells are grown or sera (e.g., in vivo production) obtained from a subject having the modified immune cells for the presence of one or more cytokines. Cytokine levels can be quantified in various suitable units, including concentration, using any suitable assay. In some embodiments, cytokine protein is detected. In some embodiments, mRNA transcripts of cytokines are detected. Examples of cytokine assays include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) , immunoblot, immunofluorescence assays, radioimmunoassays, antibody arrays which allow various cytokines in a sample to be detected in parallel, bead-based arrays, quantitative PCR, microarray, etc. Other suitable methods may include proteomics approaches (2-D gels, MS analysis etc) .

In some embodiments, the cytokine expressed by a modified immune cell provided herein is a chemokine. The chemokine may be endogenous in the immune cell. Alternatively, the chemokine may be exogenous to the immune cell. The chemokine can be, for example, a CC chemokine, a CXC chemokine, a C chemokine, and a CX3C chemokine. In some embodiments, the chemokine overexpressed by a modified immune cell is a CC chemokine selected from CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL6, CCL7, CCL8, CCL9, CCL10, CCL11, CCL12, CCL13, CCL14, CCL15, CCL16, CCL17, CCL18, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CCL22, CCL23, CCL24, CCL25, CCL26, CCL27, CCL28, FAM19A1, FAM19A2, FAM19A3, and FAM19A4. said chemokine is a CXC chemokine selected from CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL7, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL15, CXCL16, and CXCL17. In some embodiments, the chemokine is a C chemokine selected from XCL1 and XCL2. In some embodiments, the chemokine is a CX3C chemokine. In an example, the CX3C chemokine is CX3CL1.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a modified tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) that specifically binds to a neoantigen, the modified TIL comprising a switch molecule. The switch molecule can comprise an extracellular domain (ECD) of a protein that, in an unmodified TIL, elicits an immune cell inactivation signal upon binding to its ligand. The ECD can be fused to an intracellular domain (ICD) of a co-stimulatory molecule that mediates an immune cell activation signal. Binding of the switch molecule to the ligand can yield the immune cell activation signal in the modified TIL instead of the immune cell inactivation signal.

The TIL can be any cell obtained from a tumor. For example, the TIL can be a cell that has migrated to a tumor. A TIL can be a cell that has infiltrated a tumor. In some embodiments, the TIL is a white blood cell that has migrated into a tumor from the bloodstream of a subject. A TIL can be, for example, a T cell, B cell, monocyte, or natural killer (NK) cell. In some cases, a modified TIL comprises a CD8+ cytotoxic T cell (lymphocyte) , Th1 and Th17 CD4+ T cell, a natural killer cell, a dendritic cell, or M1 macrophage. A population of immune cells comprising TILs can be a mixed population of cells. A population of TILs can comprise cells of different phenotypes, cells of different degrees of differentiation, cells of different lineages, or any combination thereof. TILs can generally be defined either biochemically, using cell surface markers, or functionally, by their ability to infiltrate tumors and effect treatment. TILs can be categorized based on expression one or more of the following biomarkers: CD4, CD8, TCR alpha beta, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD56, CD137, CCR7, CD45Ra, CD95, PD-1, and TIM-3. In some embodiments, the modified TIL expresses at least one of PD-1, CD137, and TIM-3. In some cases, a TIL can be functionally defined by its ability to infiltrate solid tumors upon reintroduction into a patient. In some cases, the modified TIL comprises a “primary TIL, ” referring to a TIL that is obtained from a patient tissue sample. In some cases, the modified TIL comprises a “secondary TILs, ” referring to a TIL that is has been expanded or proliferated. A TIL can exhibit specific binding to a neoantigen. In some cases, the TCR complex of the TIL confers the antigen binding specificity (e.g., neoantigen binding) .

Binding of a modified immune cell, such as a modified T cell or a modified TIL provided herein, to a neoantigen can activate the immune cell. The switch molecule of the modified cell can be used to provide further control over immune cell activities, such as but not limited to, immune cell activation and expansion. Binding of the switch molecule to its ligand in the modified immune cell, such as a modified T cell or modified TIL, can elicit an immune cell activation signal in the modified immune cell instead of the immune cell inactivation signal. Eliciting the immune cell activation signal in the modified immune cell instead of the immune cell inactivation signal may minimize an immune-suppressive effect in the immune cell. Minimizing an immune-suppressive effect in the immune cell can increase the effectiveness of the immune cell in an immune response, for example by increasing immune cell cytotoxicity against a target cell, such as a tumor cell.

The switch molecule can comprise an extracellular domain (ECD) of a protein that, in an unmodified immune cell, elicits an immune cell inactivation signal upon binding to its ligand. The protein can be a signaling receptor or any functional fragment, derivative, or variant thereof. In some cases, the signaling receptor can be a membrane bound receptor. A signaling receptor can, in response to ligand binding, induce one or more signaling pathways in a cell. In some cases, the signaling receptor can be a non-membrane bound receptor. The switch molecule can comprise a fragment, for example an extracellular domain, of a receptor selected from a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) ; an integrin receptor; a cadherin receptor; a catalytic receptor (e.g., kinases) ; a death receptor; a checkpoint receptor; a cytokine receptor; a chemokine receptor; a growth factor receptor; a hormone receptor; and an immune receptor.

In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises a fragment of an immune checkpoint receptor, which may be involved in regulation of the immune system. Non-limiting examples of such receptors include, but are not limited to, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) , cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) , B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) , a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) , indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) , lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3) , T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3) , and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) .

A switch molecule comprising an immune checkpoint receptor, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof, can bind an antigen comprising any suitable immune checkpoint receptor ligand, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. Non-limiting examples of such ligands include, but are not limited to, B7-1, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM (Herpesvirus Entry Mediator) , AP2M1, CD80, CD86, SHP-2, PPP2R5A, MHC (e.g., class I, class II) , PD-L1, and PD-L2.

In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises a fragment of a cytokine receptor. Cytokine receptors can serve a variety of functions, non-limiting examples of which include immune cell regulation and mediating inflammation. In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises a cytokine receptor, for example a type I cytokine receptor or a type II cytokine receptor, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises an interleukin receptor (e.g., IL-2R, IL-3R, IL-4R, IL-5R, IL-6R, IL-7R, IL-9R, IL-11R, IL-12R, IL-13R, IL-15R, IL-21R, IL-23R, IL-27R, and IL-31R) , a colony stimulating factor receptor (e.g., erythropoietin receptor, CSF-1R, CSF-2R, GM-CSFR, and G-CSFR) , a hormone receptor/neuropeptide receptor (e.g., growth hormone receptor, prolactin receptor, and leptin receptor) , or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises a type II cytokine receptor, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises an interferon receptor (e.g., IFNAR1, IFNAR2, and IFNGR) , an interleukin receptor (e.g., IL-10R, IL-20R, IL-22R, and IL-28R) , a tissue factor receptor (also called platelet tissue factor) , or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof.

In some embodiments, the switch molecule can comprise at least an extracellular region (e.g., ligand binding domain) of a catalytic receptor such as a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) , or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises a class I RTK (e.g., the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor family including EGFR; the ErbB family including ErbB-2, ErbB-3, and ErbB-4) , a class II RTK (e.g., the insulin receptor family including INSR, IGF-1R, and IRR) , a class III RTK (e.g., the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor family including PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β, CSF-1R, KIT/SCFR, and FLK2/FLT3) , a class IV RTK (e.g., the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor family including FGFR-1, FGFR-2, FGFR-3, and FGFR-4) , a class V RTK (e.g., the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor family including VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3) , a class VI RTK (e.g., the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor family including hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR/MET) and RON) , a class VII RTK (e.g., the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) receptor family including TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC) , a class VIII RTK (e.g., the ephrin (Eph) receptor family including EPHA1, EPHA2, EPHA3, EPHA4, EPHA5, EPHA6, EPHA7, EPHA8, EPHB1, EPHB2, EPHB3, EPHB4, EPHB5, and EPHB6) , a class IX RTK (e.g., AXL receptor family such as AXL, MER, and TRYO3) , a class X RTK (e.g., LTK receptor family such as LTK and ALK) , a class XI RTK (e.g., TIE receptor family such as TIE and TEK) , a class XII RTK (e.g., ROR receptor family ROR1 and ROR2) , a class XIII RTK (e.g., the discoidin domain receptor (DDR) family such as DDR1 and DDR2) , a class XIV RTK (e.g., RET receptor family such as RET) , a class XV RTK (e.g., KLG receptor family including PTK7) , a class XVI RTK (e.g., RYK receptor family including Ryk) , a class XVII RTK (e.g., MuSK receptor family such as MuSK) , or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof.

A switch molecule comprising a RTK, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof, can bind an antigen comprising any suitable RTK ligand, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. Non limiting examples of RTK ligands include growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. Growth factors include, for example, members of the epidermal growth factor family (e.g., epidermal growth factor or EGF, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor or HB-EGF, transforming growth factor-α or TGF-α, amphiregulin or AR, epiregulin or EPR, epigen, betacellulin or BTC, neuregulin-1 or NRG1, neuregulin-2 or NRG2, neuregulin-3 or NRG3, and neuregulin-4 or NRG4) , the fibroblast growth factor family (e.g., FGF1, FGF2, FGF3, FGF4, FGF5, FGF6, FGF7, FGF8, FGF9, FGF10, FGF11, FGF12, FGF13, FGF14, FGF15/19, FGF16, FGF17, FGF18, FGF20, FGF21, and FGF23) , the vascular endothelial growth factor family (e.g., VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and PIGF) , and the platelet-derived growth factor family (e.g., PDGFA, PDGFB, PDGFC, and PDGFD) . Hormones include, for example, members of the insulin/IGF/relaxin family (e.g., insulin, insulin-like growth factors, relaxin family peptides including relaxin1, relaxin2, relaxin3, Leydig cell-specific insulin-like peptide (gene INSL3) , early placenta insulin-like peptide (ELIP) (gene INSL4) , insulin-like peptide 5 (gene INSL5) , and insulin-like peptide 6) .

In some embodiments, a switch molecule comprises at least an extracellular region (e.g., ligand binding domain) of a catalytic receptor such as a receptor threonine/serine kinase (RTSK) , or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. A switch molecule can comprise a type I RTSK, type II RTSK, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof. A switch molecule can comprise a type I receptor, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof, selected from the group consisting of: ALK1 (ACVRL1) , ALK2 (ACVR1A) , ALK3 (BMPR1A) , ALK4 (ACVR1B) , ALK5 (TGFβR1) , ALK6 (BMPR1B) , and ALK7 (ACVR1C) . A switch molecule can comprise a type II receptor, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof, selected from the group consisting of: TGFβR2, BMPR2, ACVR2A, ACVR2B, and AMHR2 (AMHR) . In some embodiments, the switch molecule comprises a TGF-β receptor, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof.

A switch molecule comprising a RTSK, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof, can bind an antigen comprising any suitable RTSK ligand, or any derivative, variant or fragment thereof.

The switch molecule can comprise an intracellular domain (ICD) of a co-stimulatory molecule that elicits an immune cell activation signal. The co-stimulatory molecule may bind a ligand. In some cases, the co-stimulatory molecule may be activated by a ligand responsive protein. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory molecule is operable to regulate a proliferative and/or survival signal in the immune cell. In some embodiments, the ICD is an intracellular domain of a co-stimulatory molecule selected from an MHC class I protein, an MHC class II protein, a TNF receptor protein, an immunoglobulin-like protein, a cytokine receptor, an integrin, a signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM protein) , an activating NK cell receptor, BTLA, or a Toll ligand receptor. In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain comprises a signaling domain of a molecule selected from the group consisting of: 2B4/CD244/SLAMF4, 4-1BB/TNFSF9/CD137, B7-1/CD80, B7-2/CD86, B7-H1/PD-L1, B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4, B7-H6, B7-H7, BAFF R/TNFRSF13C, BAFF/BLyS/TNFSF13B, BLAME/SLAMF8, BTLA/CD272, CD100 (SEMA4D) , CD103, CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD11d, CD150, CD160 (BY55) , CD18, CD19, CD2, CD200, CD229/SLAMF3, CD27 Ligand/TNFSF7, CD27/TNFRSF7, CD28, CD29, CD2F-10/SLAMF9, CD3, CD30 Ligand/TNFSF8, CD30/TNFRSF8, CD300a/LMIR1, CD4, CD40 Ligand/TNFSF5, CD40/TNFRSF5, CD48/SLAMF2, CD49a, CD49D, CD49f, CD5, CD53, CD58/LFA-3, CD69, CD7, CD8 α, CD8 β, CD82/Kai-1, CD84/SLAMF5, CD90/Thy1, CD96, CDS, CEACAM1, CRACC/SLAMF7, CRTAM, CTLA-4, DAP12, Dectin-1/CLEC7A, DNAM1 (CD226) , DPPIV/CD26, DR3/TNFRSF25, EphB6, GADS, Gi24/VISTA/B7-H5, GITR Ligand/TNFSF18, GITR/TNFRSF18, HLA Class I, HLA-DR, HVEM/TNFRSF14, IA4, ICAM-1, ICOS/CD278, Ikaros, IL2R β, IL2R γ, IL7R α, IL-12R, Integrin α4/CD49d, Integrin α4β1, Integrin α4β7/LPAM-1, IPO-3, ITGA4, ITGA6, ITGAD, ITGAE, ITGAL, ITGAM, ITGAX, ITGB1, ITGB2, ITGB7, KIRDS2, LAG-3, LAT, LIGHT/TNFSF14, LTBR, Ly108, Ly9 (CD229) , lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) , Lymphotoxin-α/TNF-β, NKG2C, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80 (KLRF1) , NTB-A/SLAMF6, OX40 Ligand/TNFSF4, OX40/TNFRSF4, PAG/Cbp, PD-1, PDCD6, PD-L2/B7-DC, PSGL1, RELT/TNFRSF19L, SELPLG (CD162) , SLAM (SLAMF1) , SLAM/CD150, SLAMF4 (CD244) , SLAMF6 (NTB-A) , SLAMF7, SLP-76, TACI/TNFRSF13B, TCL1A, TCL1B, TIM-1/KIM-1/HAVCR, TIM-4, TL1A/TNFSF15, TNF RII/TNFRSF1B, TNF-α, TRANCE/RANKL, TSLP, TSLP R, VLA1, and VLA-6.

The ECD and the ICD of a switch molecule can be joined by a transmembrane domain, for example by a membrane spanning segment. In some embodiments, the membrane spanning segment comprises a polypeptide. The membrane spanning polypeptide can have any suitable polypeptide sequence. In some cases, the membrane spanning polypeptide comprises a polypeptide sequence of a membrane spanning portion of an endogenous or wild-type membrane spanning protein. In some embodiments, the membrane spanning polypeptide comprises a polypeptide sequence having at least 1 (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or greater) of an amino acid substitution, deletion, and insertion compared to a membrane spanning portion of an endogenous or wild-type membrane spanning protein. In some embodiments, the membrane spanning polypeptide comprises a non-natural polypeptide sequence, such as the sequence of a polypeptide linker. The polypeptide linker may be flexible or rigid. The polypeptide linker can be structured or unstructured. In some embodiments, the membrane spanning polypeptide transmits a signal from the ECD to the ICD, for example a signal indicating ligand-binding.

Binding of a ligand to the switch molecule can yield an immune cell activation signal in the modified immune cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell activation signal is mediated by an activation factor. The activation factor can be an immunomodulating molecule. The activation factor may bind, activate, or stimulate T cells or other immune cells to modulate their activity. In some embodiments, the activation factor can be secreted from the immune cell. The activation factor can be, for example, a soluble cytokine, a soluble chemokine, or a growth factor molecule. Non-limiting examples of activation factors which can mediate the immune cell activation include a soluble cytokine, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) , transforming growth factor (TGF) , interferon (IFN) , or any functional fragment or variant thereof.

The immune cell activation signal can comprise or result in a clonal expansion of the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) ; cytokine release by the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) ; cytotoxicity of the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) ; proliferation of the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) ; differentiation, dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation of the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) ; movement and/or trafficking of the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) ; exhaustion and/or reactivation of the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) ; and release of other intercellular molecules, metabolites, chemical compounds, or combinations thereof by the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) .

In some embodiments, the immune cell activity comprises or results in clonal expansion of the immune cell. Clonal expansion can comprise the generation of daughter cells arising from the immune cell. The daughter cells resulting from clonal expansion can comprise the switch molecule. Clonal expansion of the modified immune cell can be greater than that of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. Clonal expansion of the modified immune cell can be about 5 fold to about 10 fold, about 10 fold to about 20 fold, about 20 fold to about 30 fold, about 30 fold to about 40 fold, about 40 fold to about 50 fold, about 50 fold to about 60 fold, about 60 fold to about 70 fold, about 70 fold to about 80 fold, about 80 fold to about 90 fold, about 90 fold to about 100 fold, about100 fold to about 200 fold, about 200 fold to about 300 fold, about 300 fold to about 400 fold, about 400 fold to about 500 fold, about 500 fold to about 600 fold, or about 600 fold to about 700 fold greater than a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, determining clonal expansion can comprise quantifying a number of immune cells, for example with and without switch molecules and after ligand binding to the switch molecule. Quantifying a number of immune cells can be achieved by a variety of techniques, non-limiting examples of which include flow cytometry, Trypan Blue exclusion, and hemocytometry.

In some embodiments, the immune cell activity comprises or results in cytokine release by the immune cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell activity comprises or results in the release of intercellular molecules, metabolites, chemical compounds or combinations thereof. Cytokine release by the modified immune cell can comprise the release of IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, IFNγ, TNFα, CSF, TGFβ, granzyme, and the like. In some embodiments, cytokine release may be quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) , flow cytometry, western blot, and the like. Cytokine release by a modified immune cell can be greater than that of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. A modified immune cell provided herein can generate about 1 fold, 2 fold, 3 fold, 4 fold, 5 fold, 6 fold, 7 fold, 8 fold, 9 fold, 10 fold, 11 fold, 12 fold, 13 fold, 14 fold, 15 fold, 20 fold, 30 fold, 40 fold, 50 fold, 60 fold, 70 fold, 80 fold, 90 fold, 100 fold, 150 fold, 200 fold, 250 fold, or over 300 fold greater cytokine release as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. The modified immune cell can exhibit increased cytokine secretion as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule (e.g., unmodified) , when the switch molecule binds to the ligand and the modified immune cell binds to the neoantigen present on a target cell. In some embodiments, the cytokine secreted is IFNγ or IL-2. In some embodiments, cytokine release can be quantified in vitro or in vivo.

In some embodiments, the immune cell activity comprises or results in cytotoxicity of the immune cell. In some cases, cytotoxicity of the modified immune cells provided herein can be used for killing a target cell. An immune cell or population of immune cells expressing a switch molecule can induce death of a target cell. Killing of a target cell can be useful for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, treating a disease or disorder in which a cell population is desired to be eliminated or its proliferation desired to be inhibited. Cytotoxicity can also refer to the release of cytotoxic cytokines, for example IFNγ or granzyme, by the immune cell. In some cases, modified immune cells provided herein may have altered (i) release of cytotoxins such as perforin, granzymes, and granulysin and/or (ii) induction of apoptosis via Fas-Fas ligand interaction between the T cells and target cells. In some embodiments, cytotoxicity can be quantified by a cytotoxicity assay including, a co-culture assay, ELISPOT, chromium release cytotoxicity assay, and the like. Cytotoxicity of a modified immune cell provided herein can be greater than that of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. The modified immune cell can exhibit increased cytotoxicity against a target cell as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule (e.g., unmodified) , when the switch molecule binds to the ligand and the modified immune cell binds to the neoantigen present on the target cell. A modified immune cell of the disclosure can be about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, or 200%more cytotoxic to target cells as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. A modified immune cell of the disclosure can induce death of target cells that is at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, or 200%greater than that of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, an immune cell provided herein can induce apoptosis in target cells displaying target epitopes (e.g., neoantigens) on their surface. In some embodiments, cytotoxicity can be determined in vitro or in vivo. In some embodiments, determining cytotoxicity can comprise determining a level of disease after administration of modified immune cells provided herein as compared to a level of disease prior to the administration. In some embodiments, determining cytotoxicity can comprise determining a level of disease after administration of modified immune cells provided herein and a level of disease after administration of comparable immune cells lacking the switch molecule.

In some embodiments, immune cell activity comprises or results in proliferation of the immune cell. Proliferation of the immune cell can refer to expansion of the immune cell. Proliferation of the immune cell can refer to phenotypic changes of the immune cell. Proliferation of a modified immune cell of the disclosure can be greater than that of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. Proliferation of a modified immune cell provided herein can be about 5 fold to about 10 fold, about 10 fold to about 20 fold, about 20 fold to about 30 fold, about 30 fold to about 40 fold, about 40 fold to about 50 fold, about 50 fold to about 60 fold, about 60 fold to about 70 fold, about 70 fold to about 80 fold, about 80 fold to about 90 fold, about 90 fold to about 100 fold, about 100 fold to about 200 fold, from about 200 fold to about 300 fold, from about 300 fold to about 400 fold, from about 400 fold to about 500 fold, from about 500 fold to about 600 fold, or from about 600 fold to about 700 fold greater than the proliferation of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, proliferation can be determined by quantifying a number of immune cells. Quantifying a number of immune cells can comprise flow cytometry, Trypan Blue exclusion, and/or hemocytometry. Proliferation can also be determined by phenotypic analysis of the immune cells.

In some embodiments, immune cell activity can comprise or result in differentiation, dedifferentiation, or transdifferentiation of the immune cell. Differentiation, dedifferentiation, or transdifferentation of an immune cell can be determined by evaluating phenotypic expression of markers of differentiation, dedifferentiation, or transdifferentation on a cell surface by flow cytometry. In some embodiments, a modified immune cell provided herein has increased differentiation ability as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, an modified immune cell provided herein has increased dedifferentiation ability as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, a modified immune cell provided herein has greater transdifferentiation ability as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule.

In some embodiments, immune cell activity can comprise or result in movement and/or trafficking of the immune cell. In some embodiments, movement can be determined by quantifying localization of the immune cell to a target site. For example, modified immune cells provided herein can be quantified at a target site after administration, for example at a site that is not the target site. Quantification can be performed by isolating a lesion and quantifying a number of immune cells, for example tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, comprising the switch molecule. Movement and/or trafficking of an immune cell comprising a switch molecule can be greater than that of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, the number of immune cells comprising the switch molecule at a target site, for example a tumor lesion, can be about 5X, 10X, 15X, 20X, 25X, 30X, 35X, or 40X that of the number of comparable immune cells lacking the switch molecule. Trafficking can also be determined in vitro utilizing a transwell migration assay. In some embodiments, the number of immune cells comprising the switch molecule at a target site, for example in a transwell migration assay, can be about 5X, 10X, 15X, 20X, 25X, 30X, 35X, or 40X that of the number of comparable immune cells lacking the switch molecule.

In some embodiments, immune cell activity can comprise or result in exhaustion and/or activation of the immune cell. Exhaustion and/or activation of an immune cell can be determined by phenotypic analysis by flow cytometry or microscopic analysis. For example, expression levels of markers of exhaustion, for instance programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) , lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3) , 2B4, CD160, Tim3, and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT) , can be determined quantitatively and/or qualitatively. In some cases, immune cells, such as T cells, can lose effector functions in a hierarchical manner and become exhausted. As a result of exhaustion, functions such as IL-2 production and cytokine expression, as well as high proliferative capacity, can be lost. Exhaustion can also be followed by defects in the production of IFNγ, TNF and chemokines, as well as in degranulation. Exhaustion or activation of a modified immune cell provided herein can be greater than that of a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, the immune cell provided herein can undergo at least about a 1 fold, 2 fold, 3 fold, 4 fold, 5 fold, 6 fold, 7 fold, 8 fold, 9 fold, 10 fold, 11 fold, 12 fold, 13 fold, 14 fold, 15 fold, 20 fold, 30 fold, 40 fold, 50 fold, 60 fold, 70 fold, 80 fold, 90 fold, 100 fold, 150 fold, 200 fold, 250 fold, or over 300 increase in exhaustion or activation as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule. In some embodiments, the immune cell comprising provided herein can undergo at least about a 1 fold, 2 fold, 3 fold, 4 fold, 5 fold, 6 fold, 7 fold, 8 fold, 9 fold, 10 fold, 11 fold, 12 fold, 13 fold, 14 fold, 15 fold, 20 fold, 30 fold, 40 fold, 50 fold, 60 fold, 70 fold, 80 fold, 90 fold, 100 fold, 150 fold, 200 fold, 250 fold, or over 300 decrease in exhaustion or activation as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule.

In some embodiments, upon binding of the switch molecule to the ligand, the modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) exhibits enhanced neoantigen binding as compared to a comparable immune cell lacking the switch molecule.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a cancer of a subject, comprising: (a) administering to a subject a modified immune cell of any one of the preceding claims; and (b) contacting a target cell of the cancer expressing an antigen with the modified immune cell under conditions that induces cytotoxicity of the modified immune cell against the target cell of the cancer, thereby inducing death of the target cell of the cancer.

In various embodiments of the aspects herein, promoters that can be used with the compositions of the disclosure. Example promoters include those active in a eukaryotic, mammalian, non-human mammalian or human cell. The promoter can be an inducible or constitutively active promoter. Alternatively or additionally, the promoter can be tissue or cell specific.

Non-limiting examples of suitable eukaryotic promoters (i.e. promoters functional in a eukaryotic cell) can include those from cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early, herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase, early and late SV40, long terminal repeats (LTRs) from retrovirus, human elongation factor-1 promoter (EF1) , a hybrid construct comprising the cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer fused to the chicken beta-active promoter (CAG) , murine stem cell virus promoter (MSCV) , phosphoglycerate kinase-1 locus promoter (PGK) and mouse metallothionein-I. The promoter can be a fungi promoter. The promoter can be a plant promoter. A database of plant promoters can be found (e.g., PlantProm) . The expression vector may also contain a ribosome binding site for translation initiation and a transcription terminator. The expression vector may also include appropriate sequences for amplifying expression.

In various embodiments of the aspects herein, modified immune cells can specifically bind a neoantigen and/or a neoepitope. Neoantigens and neoepitopes generally refer to tumor-specific mutations that in some cases trigger an antitumor T cell response. For example, these endogenous mutations can be identified using a whole-exomic-sequencing approach. Tran E, et al., “Cancer immunotherapy based on mutation-specific CD4+ T cells in a patient with epithelial cancer, ” Science 344: 641-644 (2014) . An modified immune cell (e.g., modified TIL or modified T cell) comprising a switch molecule can exhibit specific binding to a tumor-specific neo-antigen. Neoantigens bound by the immune cell can be expressed on a target cell, and for example, are encoded by mutations in an endogenous gene. In some cases, a neoantigen or neoepitope specifically bound by an immune cell can be encoded by a mutated gene. The gene can be selected from the group consisting of: ABL1, ACOl 1997, ACVR2A, AFP, AKT1, ALK, ALPPL2, ANAPC1, APC, ARID1A, AR, AR-v7, ASCL2, β2Μ, BRAF, BTK, C15ORF40, CDH1, CLDN6, CNOT1, CT45A5, CTAG1B, DCT, DKK4, EEF1B2, EEF1DP3, EGFR, EIF2B3, env, EPHB2, ERBB3, ESR1, ESRP1, FAM11 IB, FGFR3, FRG1B, GAGE1, GAGE 10, GATA3, GBP3, HER2, IDH1, JAK1, KIT, KRAS, LMAN1, MABEB 16, MAGEA1, MAGEA10, MAGEA4, MAGEA8, MAGEB 17, MAGEB4, MAGEC1, MEK, MLANA, MLL2, MMP13, MSH3, MSH6, MYC, NDUFC2, NRAS, NY-ESO, PAGE2, PAGE5, PDGFRa, PIK3CA, PMEL, pol protein, POLE, PTEN, RAC1, RBM27, RNF43, RPL22, RUNX1, SEC31A, SEC63, SF3B 1, SLC35F5, SLC45A2, SMAP1, SMAP1, SPOP, TFAM, TGFBR2, THAP5, TP53, TTK, TYR, UBR5, VHL, and XPOT. In some embodiments, the neoantigen may comprise a peptide fragment of a protein encoded by a mutated gene, wherein the gene is selected from JAK2, KRAS, BRAF, TP53, PIK3CA, EGFR, IDH1, NRAS, CTNNB1, NPM1, CALR, FGFR3, CDKN2A, KIT, MYD88, APC, HRAS, MED12, DNMT3A, GNAS, IDH2, KCNJ5, PTEN, NOTCH1, SF3B1, FLT3, ASXL1, SRSF2, FOXL2, PTPN11, GNAQ, RET, HLA-A, MPL, IKZF1, KMT2C, TET2, PDGFRA, FBXW7, H3F3A, ALK, CEBPA, ESR1, AKT1, RUNX1, GNA11, VHL, WT1, U2AF1, ABL1, ERBB2, DICER1, NOTCH4, EZH2, HNF1A, SMARCB1, CXCR4, PLCG1, TSHR, PRKACA, RHOA, STAT3, POLE, SETBP1, MET, AR, STK11, NF2, CBL, HLA-B, PRKCB, ATR, PPP2R1A, CASC5, CD79B, PBRM1, PTK2B, GATA2, KMT2D, SULT1A1, FLNB, PRPF8, RNF43, MSH6, FGFR2, SMAD4, JAK3, USP8, DLC1, ESRP1, LRP1B, MYH11, BRCA1, CARD11, HSP90AB1, MAP3K9, ADAMTSL3, PDGFRB, RPTOR, ROS1, NFKBIE, AMER1, KLF4, RAC1, TERT, MYOD1, ATP1A1, CSF3R, NOTCH2, CCR4, PAX5, SPTAN1, MLH1, CUBN, RNF213, SMO, ABCC4, AXIN2, CSF1R, PER1, PKHD1, IL7R, RB1, ARID1A, ATM, FES, MTHFR, PTCH2, FANCI, CDH5, CIC, IL6ST, MYH9, NF1, TGFBR2, INSR, PTPN12, TNFAIP3, MEN1, NSD1, SLITRK6, SYT1, TNKS, CCND3, PSMD13, CYP2D6, HELQ, LPHN3, PRAME, STAT5B, BCL6, CCDC6, CCND1, FLCN, LMO2, MUC1, NFKBIZ, NRP2, CTCF, HIST1H3B, KEAP1, SLC22A2, ABCC2, EED, GATA1, GLI3, IKZF3, PIK3CG, XPO1, CHRNA3, MAP2K1, SETD2, ZNF668, CCND2, FLT4, NT5C2, RECQL4, SSX1, ALOX12B, CDKN1B, ELF3, INPP4B, MARVELD3, MLLT4, MLPH, NTRK3, SPOP, BCL2, EPHB1, ERCC4, ERCC6, ETNK1, JAK1, LRP2, MUTYH, NFKBIA, ARNT, BRCA2, and CDH2. In some embodiments, the neoantigen is selected based on a genetic profile of a tumor sample from an individual. In some embodiments, the neoantigen is selected based on a somatic mutation profile of a tumor sample from an individual.

In various embodiments of the aspects herein, a modified immune cell further comprises a kill switch. A kill switch can be activated to eliminate the immune cell in cases of severe toxicity, such as hypercytokinemia. This can happen when the immune system has such a strong response that many inflammatory cytokines are released, triggering mild to severe symptoms including fever, headache, rash, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and trouble breathing. A kill switch can be a drug-inducible kill-switch. The kill switch can comprise an inducible caspace 9.

Various embodiments of the aspects herein comprise a cell, for example a modified immune cell. Cells, for example immune cells (e.g., lymphocytes including T cells and NK cells) , can be obtained from a subject. Non-limiting examples of subjects include humans, dogs, cats, mice, rats, and transgenic species thereof. Examples of samples from a subject from which cells can be derived include, without limitation, skin, heart, lung, kidney, bone marrow, breast, pancreas, liver, muscle, smooth muscle, bladder, gall bladder, colon, intestine, brain, prostate, esophagus, thyroid, serum, saliva, urine, gastric and digestive fluid, tears, stool, semen, vaginal fluid, interstitial fluids derived from tumorous tissue, ocular fluids, sweat, mucus, earwax, oil, glandular secretions, spinal fluid, hair, fingernails, plasma, nasal swab or nasopharyngeal wash, spinal fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, tissue, throat swab, biopsy, placental fluid, amniotic fluid, cord blood, emphatic fluids, cavity fluids, sputum, pus, microbiota, meconium, breast milk, and/or other excretions or body tissues.

In some cases, a cell can be a population of T cells, NK cell, B cells, and the like obtained from a subject. T cells can be obtained from a number of sources, including PBMCs, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, cord blood, thymus tissue, and tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, and tumors. In some embodiments, T cells can be obtained from a unit of blood collected from a subject using any number of techniques, such as FicollTM separation. In one embodiment, cells from the circulating blood of an individual are obtained by apheresis. The apheresis product typically contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The cells collected by apheresis may be washed to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps.

Any of a variety of immune cells can be utilized in the aspects herein. In some embodiments, immune cells comprise granulocytes such as asophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils; mast cells; monocytes which can develop into macrophages; antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells; and lymphocytes such as natural killer cells (NK cells) , B cells, and T cells. In some embodiments, an immune cell is an immune effector cell. An immune effector cell refers to an immune cell that can perform a specific function in response to a stimulus. In some embodiments, an immune cell is an immune effector cell which can induce cell death. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a lymphocyte. In some embodiments, the lymphocyte is a NK cell. In some embodiments the lymphocyte is a T cell. In some embodiments, the T cell is an activated T cell. T cells include both naive and memory cells (e.g. central memory or TCM, effector memory or TEM and effector memory RA or TEMRA) , effector cells (e.g. cytotoxic T cells or CTLs or Tc cells) , helper cells (e.g. Th1, Th2, Th3, Th9, Th7, TFH) , regulatory cells (e.g. Treg, and Trl cells) , natural killer T cells (NKT cells) , tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) , lymphocyte-activated killer cells (LAKs) , αβ Τ cells, γδ Τ cells, and similar unique classes of the T cell lineage. T cells can be divided into two broad categories: CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells, based on which protein is present on the cell's surface. T cells expressing a subject system can carry out multiple functions, including killing infected cells and activating or recruiting other immune cells. CD8+ T cells are referred to as cytotoxic T cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) . CTLs expressing a subject system can be involved in recognizing and removing virus-infected cells and cancer cells. CTLs have specialized compartments, or granules, containing cytotoxins that cause apoptosis, e.g., programmed cell death. CD4+ T cells can be subdivided into four sub-sets – Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg, with “Th” referring to “T helper cell, ” although additional sub-sets may exist. Th1 cells can coordinate immune responses against intracellular microbes, especially bacteria. They can produce and secrete molecules that alert and activate other immune cells, like bacteria-ingesting macrophages. Th2 cells are involved in coordinating immune responses against extracellular pathogens, like helminths (parasitic worms) , by alerting B cells, granulocytes, and mast cells. Th17 cells can produce interleukin 17 (IL-17) , a signaling molecule that activates immune and non-immune cells. Th17 cells are important for recruiting neutrophils.

In some embodiments, a population of immune cells provided herein can be heterogeneous. In some embodiments, cells used can be composed of a heterogeneous mixture of CD4 and CD8 T cells. The CD4 and CD8 cells can have phenotypic characteristics of circulating effector T cells. Said CD4 and CD8 cells can also have a phenotypic characteristic of effector-memory cells. In some embodiment, cells can be central-memory cells.

In some embodiments, cells include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) , peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) , and other blood cell subsets such as, but not limited to, T cell, a natural killer cell, a monocyte, a natural killer T cell, a monocyte-precursor cell, a hematopoietic stem cell or a non-pluripotent stem cell. In some cases, the cell can be any immune cell, including any T-cell such as tumor infiltrating cells (TILs) , such as CD3+ T-cells, CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, or any other type of T-cell. The T cell can also include memory T cells, memory stem T cells, or effector T cells. The T cells can also be selected from a bulk population, for example, selecting T cells from whole blood. The T cells can also be expanded from a bulk population. The T cells can also be skewed towards particular populations and phenotypes. For example, the T cells can be skewed to phenotypically comprise, CD45RO (-) , CCR7 (+) , CD45RA (+) , CD62L (+) , CD27 (+) , CD28 (+) and/or IL-7Rα (+) . Suitable cells can be selected that comprise one of more markers selected from a list comprising: CD45RO (-) , CCR7 (+) , CD45RA (+) , CD62L (+) , CD27 (+) , CD28 (+) and/or IL-7Rα (+) . Cells also include stem cells such as, by way of example, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, neuronal stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Cells can comprise any number of primary cells, such as human cells, non-human cells, and/or mouse cells. Cells can be progenitor cells. Cells can be derived from the subject to be treated (e.g., patient) . Cells can be derived from a human donor. Host cells can be stem memory TSCM cells comprised of CD45RO (-) , CCR7 (+) , CD45RA (+) , CD62L+ (L-selectin) , CD27+, CD28+ and IL-7Rα+, said stem memory cells can also express CD95, IL-2Rβ, CXCR3, and LFA-1, and show numerous functional attributes distinctive of said stem memory cells. Host cells can be central memory TCM cells comprising L-selectin and CCR7, said central memory cells can secrete, for example, IL-2, but not IFNγ or IL-4. Cells can also be effector memory TEM cells comprising L-selectin or CCR7 and produce, for example, effector cytokines such as IFNγ and IL-4.

In various embodiments of the aspects herein, an immune cell comprises a lymphocyte. In some embodiments, the lymphocyte is a natural killer cell (NK cell) . In some embodiments, the lymphocyte is a T cell. T cells can be obtained from a number of sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, spleen tissue, umbilical cord, and tumors. In some embodiments, any number of T cell lines available can be used. Immune cells such as lymphocytes (e.g., cytotoxic lymphocytes) can preferably be autologous cells, although heterologous cells can also be used. T cells can be obtained from a unit of blood collected from a subject using any number of techniques, such as Ficoll separation. Cells from the circulating blood of an individual can be obtained by apheresis or leukapheresis. The apheresis product typically contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The cells collected by apheresis can be washed to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media, such as phosphate buffered saline (PBS) , for subsequent processing steps. After washing, the cells can be resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers, such as Ca-free, Mg-free PBS. Alternatively, the undesirable components of the apheresis sample can be removed and the cells directly resuspended in culture media. Samples can be provided directly by the subject, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, such as a sample collection service provider or a medical provider (e.g. a physician or nurse) . In some embodiments, isolating T cells from peripheral blood leukocytes can include lysing the red blood cells and separating peripheral blood leukocytes from monocytes by, for example, centrifugation through, e.g., a PERCOL ^TM gradient.

A specific subpopulation of T cells, such as CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, can be further isolated by positive or negative selection techniques. Negative selection of a T cell population can be accomplished, for example, with a combination of antibodies directed to surface markers unique to the cells negatively selected. One suitable technique includes cell sorting via negative magnetic immunoadherence, which utilizes a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed to cell surface markers present on the cells negatively selected. For example, to isolate CD4+ cells, a monoclonal antibody cocktail can include antibodies to CD14, CD20, CD1 lb, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8. The process of negative selection can be used to produce a desired T cell population that is primarily homogeneous. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a mixture of two or more (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) different kind of T-cells.

In some embodiments, the immune cell is a member of an enriched population of cells. One or more desired cell types can be enriched by any suitable method, non-limiting examples of which include treating a population of cells to trigger expansion and/or differentiation to a desired cell type, treatment to stop the growth of undesired cell type (s) , treatment to kill or lyse undesired cell type (s) , purification of a desired cell type (e.g. purification on an affinity column to retain desired or undesired cell types on the basis of one or more cell surface markers) . In some embodiments, the enriched population of cells is a population of cells enriched in cytotoxic lymphocytes selected from cytotoxic T cells (also variously known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CTLs, T killer cells, cytolytic T cells, CD8+ T cells, and killer T cells) , natural killer (NK) cells, and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells.

For isolation of a desired population of cells by positive or negative selection, the concentration of cells and surface (e.g., particles such as beads) can be varied. In certain embodiments, it can be desirable to significantly decrease the volume in which beads and cells are mixed together (i.e., increase the concentration of cells) , to ensure maximum contact of cells and beads. For example, a concentration of 2 billion cells/mL can be used. In some embodiments, a concentration of 1 billion cells/mL is used. In some embodiments, greater than 100 million cells/mL are used. A concentration of cells of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 million cells/mL can be used. In yet another embodiment, a concentration of cells from 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells/mL can be used. In further embodiments, concentrations of 125 or 150 million cells/mL can be used. Using high concentrations can result in increased cell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion.

A variety of target cells can be killed using the systems and methods of the subject disclosure. A target cell to which this method can be applied includes a wide variety of cell types. A target cell can be in vitro. A target cell can be in vivo. A target cell can be ex vivo. A target cell can be an isolated cell. A target cell can be a cell inside of an organism. A target cell can be an organism. A target cell can be a cell in a cell culture. A target cell can be one of a collection of cells. A target cell can be a mammalian cell or derived from a mammalian cell. A target cell can be a rodent cell or derived from a rodent cell. A target cell can be a human cell or derived from a human cell. A target cell can be a prokaryotic cell or derived from a prokaryotic cell. A target cell can be a bacterial cell or can be derived from a bacterial cell. A target cell can be an archaeal cell or derived from an archaeal cell. A target cell can be a eukaryotic cell or derived from a eukaryotic cell. A target cell can be a pluripotent stem cell. A target cell can be a plant cell or derived from a plant cell. A target cell can be an animal cell or derived from an animal cell. A target cell can be an invertebrate cell or derived from an invertebrate cell. A target cell can be a vertebrate cell or derived from a vertebrate cell. A target cell can be a microbe cell or derived from a microbe cell. A target cell can be a fungi cell or derived from a fungi cell. A target cell can be from a specific organ or tissue.

A target cell can be a stem cell or progenitor cell. Target cells can include stem cells (e.g., adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells) and progenitor cells (e.g., cardiac progenitor cells, neural progenitor cells, etc. ) . Target cells can include mammalian stem cells and progenitor cells, including rodent stem cells, rodent progenitor cells, human stem cells, human progenitor cells, etc. Clonal cells can comprise the progeny of a cell. A target cell can comprise a target nucleic acid. A target cell can be in a living organism. A target cell can be a genetically modified cell. A target cell can be a host cell.

A target cell can be a primary cell. For example, cultures of primary cells can be passaged 0 times, 1 time, 2 times, 4 times, 5 times, 10 times, 15 times or more. Cells can be unicellular organisms. Cells can be grown in culture.

A target cell can be a diseased cell. A diseased cell can have altered metabolic, gene expression, and/or morphologic features. A diseased cell can be a cancer cell, a diabetic cell, and a apoptotic cell. A diseased cell can be a cell from a diseased subject. Exemplary diseases can include blood disorders, cancers, metabolic disorders, eye disorders, organ disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiac disease, and the like.

If the target cells are primary cells, they may be harvested from an individual by any method. For example, leukocytes may be harvested by apheresis, leukocytapheresis, density gradient separation, etc. Cells from tissues such as skin, muscle, bone marrow, spleen, liver, pancreas, lung, intestine, stomach, etc. can be harvested by biopsy. An appropriate solution may be used for dispersion or suspension of the harvested cells. Such solution can generally be a balanced salt solution, (e.g. normal saline, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) , Hank’s balanced salt solution, etc. ) , conveniently supplemented with fetal calf serum or other naturally occurring factors, in conjunction with an acceptable buffer at low concentration. Buffers can include HEPES, phosphate buffers, lactate buffers, etc. Cells may be used immediately, or they may be stored (e.g., by freezing) . Frozen cells can be thawed and can be capable of being reused. Cells can be frozen in a DMSO, serum, medium buffer (e.g., 10%DMSO, 50%serum, 40%buffered medium) , and/or some other such common solution used to preserve cells at freezing temperatures.

Non-limiting examples of cells which can be target cells include, but are not limited to, lymphoid cells, such as B cell, T cell (Cytotoxic T cell, Natural Killer T cell, Regulatory T cell, T helper cell) , Natural killer cell, cytokine induced killer (CIK) cells (see e.g. US20080241194) ; myeloid cells, such as granulocytes (Basophil granulocyte, Eosinophil granulocyte, Neutrophil granulocyte/Hypersegmented neutrophil) , Monocyte/Macrophage, Red blood cell (Reticulocyte) , Mast cell, Thrombocyte/Megakaryocyte, Dendritic cell; cells from the endocrine system, including thyroid (Thyroid epithelial cell, Parafollicular cell) , parathyroid (Parathyroid chief cell, Oxyphil cell) , adrenal (Chromaffin cell) , pineal (Pinealocyte) cells; cells of the nervous system, including glial cells (Astrocyte, Microglia) , Magnocellular neurosecretory cell, Stellate cell, Boettcher cell, and pituitary (Gonadotrope, Corticotrope, Thyrotrope, Somatotrope, Lactotroph ) ; cells of the Respiratory system, including Pneumocyte (Type I pneumocyte, Type II pneumocyte) , Clara cell, Goblet cell, Dust cell; cells of the circulatory system, including Myocardiocyte, Pericyte; cells of the digestive system, including stomach (Gastric chief cell, Parietal cell) , Goblet cell, Paneth cell, G cells, D cells, ECL cells, I cells, K cells, S cells; enteroendocrine cells, including enterochromaffm cell, APUD cell, liver (Hepatocyte, Kupffer cell) , Cartilage/bone/muscle; bone cells, including Osteoblast, Osteocyte, Osteoclast, teeth (Cementoblast, Ameloblast) ; cartilage cells, including Chondroblast, Chondrocyte; skin cells, including Trichocyte, Keratinocyte, Melanocyte (Nevus cell) ; muscle cells, including Myocyte; urinary system cells, including Podocyte, Juxtaglomerular cell, Intraglomerular mesangial cell/Extraglomerular mesangial cell, Kidney proximal tubule brush border cell, Macula densa cell; reproductive system cells, including Spermatozoon, Sertoli cell, Leydig cell, Ovum; and other cells, including Adipocyte, Fibroblast, Tendon cell, Epidermal keratinocyte (differentiating epidermal cell) , Epidermal basal cell (stem cell) , Keratinocyte of fingernails and toenails, Nail bed basal cell (stem cell) , Medullary hair shaft cell, Cortical hair shaft cell, Cuticular hair shaft cell, Cuticular hair root sheath cell, Hair root sheath cell of Huxley's layer, Hair root sheath cell of Henle's layer, External hair root sheath cell, Hair matrix cell (stem cell) , Wet stratified barrier epithelial cells, Surface epithelial cell of stratified squamous epithelium of cornea, tongue, oral cavity, esophagus, anal canal, distal urethra and vagina, basal cell (stem cell) of epithelia of cornea, tongue, oral cavity, esophagus, anal canal, distal urethra and vagina, Urinary epithelium cell (lining urinary bladder and urinary ducts) , Exocrine secretory epithelial cells, Salivary gland mucous cell (polysaccharide-rich secretion) , Salivary gland serous cell (glycoprotein enzyme -rich secretion) , Von Ebner's gland cell in tongue (washes taste buds) , Mammary gland cell (milk secretion) , Lacrimal gland cell (tear secretion) , Ceruminous gland cell in ear (wax secretion) , Eccrine sweat gland dark cell (glycoprotein secretion) , Eccrine sweat gland clear cell (small molecule secretion) . Apocrine sweat gland cell (odoriferous secretion, sex -hormone sensitive) , Gland of Moll cell in eyelid (specialized sweat gland) , Sebaceous gland cell (lipid-rich sebum secretion) , Bowman's gland cell in nose (washes olfactory epithelium) , Brunner's gland cell in duodenum (enzymes and alkaline mucus) , Seminal vesicle cell (secretes seminal fluid components, including fructose for swimming sperm) , Prostate gland cell (secretes seminal fluid components) , Bulbourethral gland cell (mucus secretion) , Bartholin's gland cell (vaginal lubricant secretion) , Gland of Littre cell (mucus secretion) , Uterus endometrium cell (carbohydrate secretion) , Isolated goblet cell of respiratory and digestive tracts (mucus secretion) , Stomach lining mucous cell (mucus secretion) , Gastric gland zymogenic cell (pepsinogen secretion) , Gastric gland oxyntic cell (hydrochloric acid secretion) , Pancreatic acinar cell (bicarbonate and digestive enzyme secretion) , Paneth cell of small intestine (lysozyme secretion) , Type II pneumocyte of lung (surfactant secretion) , Clara cell of lung, Hormone secreting cells, Anterior pituitary cells, Somatotropes, Lactotropes, Thyrotropes, Gonadotropes, Corticotropes, Intermediate pituitary cell, Magnocellular neurosecretory cells, Gut and respiratory tract cells, Thyroid gland cells, thyroid epithelial cell, parafollicular cell, Parathyroid gland cells, Parathyroid chief cell, Oxyphil cell, Adrenal gland cells, chromaffin cells, Ley dig cell of testes, Theca interna cell of ovarian follicle, Corpus luteum cell of ruptured ovarian follicle, Granulosa lutein cells, Theca lutein cells, Juxtaglomerular cell (renin secretion) , Macula densa cell of kidney, Metabolism and storage cells, Barrier function cells (Lung, Gut, Exocrine Glands and Urogenital Tract) , Kidney, Type I pneumocyte (lining air space of lung) , Pancreatic duct cell (centroacinar cell) , Nonstriated duct cell (of sweat gland, salivary gland, mammary gland, etc. ) , Duct cell (of seminal vesicle, prostate gland, etc. ) , Epithelial cells lining closed internal body cavities, Ciliated cells with propulsive function, Extracellular matrix secretion cells, Contractile cells; Skeletal muscle cells, stem cell, Heart muscle cells, Blood and immune system cells, Erythrocyte (red blood cell) , Megakaryocyte (platelet precursor) , Monocyte, Connective tissue macrophage (various types) , Epidermal Langerhans cell, Osteoclast (in bone) , Dendritic cell (in lymphoid tissues) , Microglial cell (in central nervous system) , Neutrophil granulocyte, Eosinophil granulocyte, Basophil granulocyte, Mast cell, Helper T cell, Suppressor T cell, Cytotoxic T cell, Natural Killer T cell, B cell, Natural killer cell, Reticulocyte, Stem cells and committed progenitors for the blood and immune system (various types) , Pluripotent stem cells, Totipotent stem cells, Induced pluripotent stem cells, adult stem cells, Sensory transducer cells, Autonomic neuron cells, Sense organ and peripheral neuron supporting cells, Central nervous system neurons and glial cells, Lens cells, Pigment cells, Melanocyte, Retinal pigmented epithelial cell, Germ cells, Oogonium/Oocyte, Spermatid, Spermatocyte, Spermatogonium cell (stem cell for spermatocyte) , Spermatozoon, Nurse cells, Ovarian follicle cell, Sertoli cell (in testis) , Thymus epithelial cell, Interstitial cells, and Interstitial kidney cells.

Of particular interest are cancer cells. In some embodiments, the target cell is a cancer cell. Non-limiting examples of cancer cells include cells of cancers including Acanthoma, Acinic cell carcinoma, Acoustic neuroma, Acral lentiginous melanoma, Acrospiroma, Acute eosinophilic leukemia, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, Acute monocytic leukemia, Acute myeloblastic leukemia with maturation, Acute myeloid dendritic cell leukemia, Acute myeloid leukemia, Acute promyelocytic leukemia, Adamantinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma, Adenoma, Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, Adrenocortical carcinoma, Adult T-cell leukemia, Aggressive NK-cell leukemia, AIDS-Related Cancers, AIDS-related lymphoma, Alveolar soft part sarcoma, Ameloblastic fibroma, Anal cancer, Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, Anaplastic thyroid cancer, Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, Angiomyolipoma, Angiosarcoma, Appendix cancer, Astrocytoma, Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, Basal cell carcinoma, Basal-like carcinoma, B-cell leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, Bellini duct carcinoma, Biliary tract cancer, Bladder cancer, Blastoma, Bone Cancer, Bone tumor, Brain Stem Glioma, Brain Tumor, Breast Cancer, Brenner tumor, Bronchial Tumor, Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, Brown tumor, Burkitt's lymphoma, Cancer of Unknown Primary Site, Carcinoid Tumor, Carcinoma, Carcinoma in situ, Carcinoma of the penis, Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site, Carcinosarcoma, Castleman's Disease, Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumor, Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Cerebral Astrocytoma, Cervical Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Chondroma, Chondrosarcoma, Chordoma, Choriocarcinoma, Choroid plexus papilloma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic monocytic leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia, Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorder, Chronic neutrophilic leukemia, Clear-cell tumor, Colon Cancer, Colorectal cancer, Craniopharyngioma, Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Degos disease, Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Dermoid cyst, Desmoplastic small round cell tumor, Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, Embryonal carcinoma, Endodermal sinus tumor, Endometrial cancer, Endometrial Uterine Cancer, Endometrioid tumor, Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, Ependymoblastoma, Ependymoma, Epithelioid sarcoma, Erythroleukemia, Esophageal cancer, Esthesioneuroblastoma, Ewing Family of Tumor, Ewing Family Sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Extracranial Germ Cell Tumor, Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor, Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer, Extramammary Paget's disease, Fallopian tube cancer, Fetus in fetu, Fibroma, Fibrosarcoma, Follicular lymphoma, Follicular thyroid cancer, Gallbladder Cancer, Gallbladder cancer, Ganglioglioma, Ganglioneuroma, Gastric Cancer, Gastric lymphoma, Gastrointestinal cancer, Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Germ cell tumor, Germinoma, Gestational choriocarcinoma, Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor, Giant cell tumor of bone, Glioblastoma multiforme, Glioma, Gliomatosis cerebri, Glomus tumor, Glucagonoma, Gonadoblastoma, Granulosa cell tumor, Hairy Cell Leukemia, Hairy cell leukemia, Head and Neck Cancer, Head and neck cancer, Heart cancer, Hemangioblastoma, Hemangiopericytoma, Hemangiosarcoma, Hematological malignancy, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, Hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hypopharyngeal Cancer, Hypothalamic Glioma, Inflammatory breast cancer, Intraocular Melanoma, Islet cell carcinoma, Islet Cell Tumor, Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, Kaposi Sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Kidney Cancer, Klatskin tumor, Krukenberg tumor, Laryngeal Cancer, Laryngeal cancer, Lentigo maligna melanoma, Leukemia, Leukemia, Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer, Liposarcoma, Lung cancer, Luteoma, Lymphangioma, Lymphangiosarcoma, Lymphoepithelioma, Lymphoid leukemia, Lymphoma, Macroglobulinemia, Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma, Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone, Malignant Glioma, Malignant Mesothelioma, Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, Malignant rhabdoid tumor, Malignant triton tumor, MALT lymphoma, Mantle cell lymphoma, Mast cell leukemia, Mediastinal germ cell tumor, Mediastinal tumor, Medullary thyroid cancer, Medulloblastoma, Medulloblastoma, Medulloepithelioma, Melanoma, Melanoma, Meningioma, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancer with Occult Primary, Metastatic urothelial carcinoma, Mixed Mullerian tumor, Monocytic leukemia, Mouth Cancer, Mucinous tumor, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome, Multiple Myeloma, Multiple myeloma, Mycosis Fungoides, Mycosis fungoides, Myelodysplastic Disease, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Myeloid leukemia, Myeloid sarcoma, Myeloproliferative Disease, Myxoma, Nasal Cavity Cancer, Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Neoplasm, Neurinoma, Neuroblastoma, Neuroblastoma, Neurofibroma, Neuroma, Nodular melanoma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Ocular oncology, Oligoastrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma, Oncocytoma, Optic nerve sheath meningioma, Oral Cancer, Oral cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancer, Osteosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian cancer, Ovarian Epithelial Cancer, Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor, Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumor, Paget's disease of the breast, Pancoast tumor, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Papillary thyroid cancer, Papillomatosis, Paraganglioma, Paranasal Sinus Cancer, Parathyroid Cancer, Penile Cancer, Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, Pharyngeal Cancer, Pheochromocytoma, Pineal Parenchymal Tumor of Intermediate Differentiation, Pineoblastoma, Pituicytoma, Pituitary adenoma, Pituitary tumor, Plasma Cell Neoplasm, Pleuropulmonary blastoma, Polyembryoma, Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, Primary central nervous system lymphoma, Primary effusion lymphoma, Primary Hepatocellular Cancer, Primary Liver Cancer, Primary peritoneal cancer, Primitive neuroectodermal tumor, Prostate cancer, Pseudomyxoma peritonei, Rectal Cancer, Renal cell carcinoma, Respiratory Tract Carcinoma Involving the NUT Gene on Chromosome 15, Retinoblastoma, Rhabdomyoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Richter's transformation, Sacrococcygeal teratoma, Salivary Gland Cancer, Sarcoma, Schwannomatosis, Sebaceous gland carcinoma, Secondary neoplasm, Seminoma, Serous tumor, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, Sex cord-stromal tumor, Sezary Syndrome, Signet ring cell carcinoma, Skin Cancer, Small blue round cell tumor, Small cell carcinoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer, Small cell lymphoma, Small intestine cancer, Soft tissue sarcoma, Somatostatinoma, Soot wart, Spinal Cord Tumor, Spinal tumor, Splenic marginal zone lymphoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Stomach cancer, Superficial spreading melanoma, Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor, Surface epithelial-stromal tumor, Synovial sarcoma, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia, T-cell leukemia, T-cell lymphoma, T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, Teratoma, Terminal lymphatic cancer, Testicular cancer, Thecoma, Throat Cancer, Thymic Carcinoma, Thymoma, Thyroid cancer, Transitional Cell Cancer of Renal Pelvis and Ureter, Transitional cell carcinoma, Urachal cancer, Urethral cancer, Urogenital neoplasm, Uterine sarcoma, Uveal melanoma, Vaginal Cancer, Verner Morrison syndrome, Verrucous carcinoma, Visual Pathway Glioma, Vulvar Cancer, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, Warthin's tumor, Wilms'tumor, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the targeted cancer cell represents a subpopulation within a cancer cell population, such as a cancer stem cell. In some embodiments, the cancer is of a hematopoietic lineage, such as a lymphoma. The antigen can be a tumor associated antigen.

In some embodiments, the target cells form a tumor. A tumor treated with the methods herein can result in stabilized tumor growth (e.g., one or more tumors do not increase more than 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% in size, and/or do not metastasize) . In some embodiments, a tumor is stabilized for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more weeks. In some embodiments, a tumor is stabilized for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more months. In some embodiments, a tumor is stabilized for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more years. In some embodiments, the size of a tumor or the number of tumor cells is reduced by at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%or more. In some embodiments, the tumor is completely eliminated, or reduced below a level of detection. In some embodiments, a subject remains tumor free (e.g. in remission) for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more weeks following treatment. In some embodiments, a subject remains tumor free for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more months following treatment. In some embodiments, a subject remains tumor free for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more years after treatment.

Death of target cells can be determined by any suitable method, including, but not limited to, counting cells before and after treatment, or measuring the level of a marker associated with live or dead cells (e.g. live or dead target cells) . Degree of cell death can be determined by any suitable method. In some embodiments, degree of cell death is determined with respect to a starting condition. For example, an individual can have a known starting amount of target cells, such as a starting cell mass of known size or circulating target cells at a known concentration. In such cases, degree of cell death can be expressed as a ratio of surviving cells after treatment to the starting cell population. In some embodiments, degree of cell death can be determined by a suitable cell death assay. A variety of cell death assays are available, and can utilize a variety of detection methodologies. Examples of detection methodologies include, without limitation, the use of cell staining, microscopy, flow cytometry, cell sorting, and combinations of these.

When a tumor is subject to surgical resection following completion of a therapeutic period, the efficacy of treatment in reducing tumor size can be determined by measuring the percentage of resected tissue that is necrotic (i.e., dead) . In some embodiments, a treatment is therapeutically effective if the necrosis percentage of the resected tissue is greater than about 20% (e.g., at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%) . In some embodiments, the necrosis percentage of the resected tissue is 100%, that is, no living tumor tissue is present or detectable.

Exposing a target cell to an immune cell or population of immune cells disclosed herein can be conducted either in vitro or in vivo. Exposing a target cell to an immune cell or population of immune cells generally refers to bringing the target cell in contact with the immune cell and/or in sufficient proximity such that an antigen of a target cell (e.g., membrane bound or non-membrane bound) can bind to the switch molecule in the modified immune cell. Exposing a target cell to an immune cell or population of immune cells in vitro can be accomplished by co-culturing the target cells and the immune cells. Target cells and immune cells can be co-cultured, for example, as adherent cells or alternatively in suspension. Target cells and immune cells can be co-cultured in various suitable types of cell culture media, for example with supplements, growth factors, ions, etc. Exposing a target cell to an immune cell or population of immune cells in vivo can be accomplished, in some cases, by administering the immune cells to a subject, for example a human subject, and allowing the immune cells to localize to the target cell via the circulatory system. In some cases, an immune cell can be delivered to the immediate area where a target cell is localized, for example, by direct injection.

Exposing can be performed for any suitable length of time, for example at least 1 minute, at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour, at least 2 hours, at least 3 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 5 hours, at least 6 hours, at least 7 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 16 hours, at least 20 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 2 days, at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks, at least 1 month or longer.

The various domains of switch molecules provided herein can be linked by means of chemical bond, e.g., an amide bond or a disulfide bond; a small, organic molecule (e.g., a hydrocarbon chain) ; an amino acid sequence such as a peptide linker (e.g., an amino acid sequence about 3-200 amino acids in length) , or a combination of a small, organic molecule and peptide linker. Peptide linkers can provide desirable flexibility to permit the desired expression, activity and/or conformational positioning of the chimeric polypeptide. The peptide linker can be of any appropriate length to connect at least two domains of interest and is preferably designed to be sufficiently flexible so as to allow the proper folding and/or function and/or activity of one or both of the domains it connects. The peptide linker can have a length of at least 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 amino acids. In some embodiments, a peptide linker has a length between about 0 and 200 amino acids, between about 10 and 190 amino acids, between about 20 and 180 amino acids, between about 30 and 170 amino acids, between about 40 and 160 amino acids, between about 50 and 150 amino acids, between about 60 and 140 amino acids, between about 70 and 130 amino acids, between about 80 and 120 amino acids, between about 90 and 110 amino acids. In some embodiments, the linker sequence can comprise an endogenous protein sequence. In some embodiments, the linker sequence comprises glycine, alanine and/or serine amino acid residues. In some embodiments, a linker can contain motifs, e.g., multiple or repeating motifs, of GS, GGS, GGGGS, GGSG, or SGGG. The linker sequence can include any naturally occurring amino acids, non-naturally occurring amino acids, or combinations thereof.

Any suitable delivery method can be used for introducing compositions and molecules (e.g., polypeptides and/or nucleic acid encoding polypeptides) of the disclosure into a host cell, such as an immune cell. The various components can be delivered simultaneously or temporally separated. The choice of method can be dependent on the type of cell being transformed and/or the circumstances under which the transformation is taking place (e.g., in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo) .

A method of delivery can involve contacting a target polynucleotide or introducing into a cell (or a population of cells such as immune cells) one or more nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the compositions of the disclosure. Suitable nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the compositions of the disclosure can include expression vectors, where an expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding one or more compositions of the disclosure is a recombinant expression vector.

Non-limiting examples of delivery methods or transformation include, for example, viral or bacteriophage infection, transfection, conjugation, protoplast fusion, lipofection, electroporation, calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethyleneimine (PEI) -mediated transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, liposome-mediated transfection, particle gun technology, calcium phosphate precipitation, direct micro injection, and nanoparticle-mediated nucleic acid delivery.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides methods comprising delivering one or more polynucleotides, or one or more vectors as described herein, or one or more transcripts thereof, and/or one or proteins transcribed therefrom, to a host cell. In some aspects, the disclosure further provides cells produced by such methods, and organisms (such as animals, plants, or fungi) comprising or produced from such cells.

Conventional viral and non-viral based gene transfer methods can be used to introduce nucleic acids in mammalian cells or target tissues. Such methods can be used to administer nucleic acids encoding compositions of the disclosure to cells in culture, or in a host organism. Non-viral vector delivery systems can include DNA plasmids, RNA (e.g. a transcript of a vector described herein) , naked nucleic acid, and nucleic acid complexed with a delivery vehicle, such as a liposome. Viral vector delivery systems can include DNA and RNA viruses, which can have either episomal or integrated genomes after delivery to the cell.

Methods of non-viral delivery of nucleic acids can include lipofection, nucleofection, microinjection, biolistics, virosomes, liposomes, immunoliposomes, polycation or lipid: nucleic acid conjugates, naked DNA, artificial virions, and agent-enhanced uptake of DNA. Cationic and neutral lipids that are suitable for efficient receptor-recognition lipofection of polynucleotides can be used. Delivery can be to cells (e.g. in vitro or ex vivo administration) or target tissues (e.g. in vivo administration) . The preparation of lipid: nucleic acid complexes, including targeted liposomes such as immunolipid complexes, can be used.

RNA or DNA viral based systems can be used to target specific cells in the body and trafficking the viral payload to the nucleus of the cell. Viral vectors can be administered directly (in vivo) or they can be used to treat cells in vitro, and the modified cells can optionally be administered (ex vivo) . Viral based systems can include retroviral, lentivirus, adenoviral, adeno-associated and herpes simplex virus vectors for gene transfer. Integration in the host genome can occur with the retrovirus, lentivirus, and adeno-associated virus gene transfer methods, which can result in long term expression of the inserted transgene. High transduction efficiencies can be observed in many different cell types and target tissues.

The tropism of a retrovirus can be altered by incorporating foreign envelope proteins, expanding the potential target population of target cells. Lentiviral vectors are retroviral vectors that can transduce or infect non-dividing cells and produce high viral titers. Selection of a retroviral gene transfer system can depend on the target tissue. Retroviral vectors can comprise cis-acting long terminal repeats with packaging capacity for up to 6-10 kb of foreign sequence. The minimum cis-acting LTRs can be sufficient for replication and packaging of the vectors, which can be used to integrate the therapeutic gene into the target cell to provide permanent transgene expression. Retroviral vectors can include those based upon murine leukemia virus (MuLV) , gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV) , Simian Immuno deficiency virus (SIV) , human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) , and combinations thereof.

An adenoviral-based systems can be used. Adenoviral-based systems can lead to transient expression of the transgene. Adenoviral based vectors can have high transduction efficiency in cells and may not require cell division. High titer and levels of expression can be obtained with adenoviral based vectors. Adeno-associated virus ( "AAV" ) vectors can be used to transduce cells with target nucleic acids, e.g., in the in vitro production of nucleic acids and peptides, and for in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy procedures.

Packaging cells can be used to form virus particles capable of infecting a host cell. Such cells can include 293 cells, (e.g., for packaging adenovirus) , and Psi2 cells or PA317 cells (e.g., for packaging retrovirus) . Viral vectors can be generated by producing a cell line that packages a nucleic acid vector into a viral particle. The vectors can contain the minimal viral sequences required for packaging and subsequent integration into a host. The vectors can contain other viral sequences being replaced by an expression cassette for the polynucleotide (s) to be expressed. The missing viral functions can be supplied in trans by the packaging cell line. For example, AAV vectors can comprise ITR sequences from the AAV genome which are required for packaging and integration into the host genome. Viral DNA can be packaged in a cell line, which can contain a helper plasmid encoding the other AAV genes, namely rep and cap, while lacking ITR sequences. The cell line can also be infected with adenovirus as a helper. The helper virus can promote replication of the AAV vector and expression of AAV genes from the helper plasmid. Contamination with adenovirus can be reduced by, e.g., heat treatment to which adenovirus is more sensitive than AAV. Additional methods for the delivery of nucleic acids to cells can be used, for example, as described in US20030087817, incorporated herein by reference.

A host cell can be transiently or non-transiently transfected with one or more vectors described herein. A cell can be transfected as it naturally occurs in a subject. A cell can be taken or derived from a subject and transfected. A cell can be derived from cells taken from a subject, such as a cell line. In some embodiments, a cell transfected with one or more vectors described herein is used to establish a new cell line comprising one or more vector-derived sequences. In some embodiments, a cell transiently transfected with the compositions of the disclosure (such as by transient transfection of one or more vectors, or transfection with RNA) is used to establish a new cell line comprising cells containing the modification but lacking any other exogenous sequence.

Any suitable vector compatible with the host cell can be used with the methods of the disclosure. Non-limiting examples of vectors for eukaryotic host cells include pXT1, pSG5 (StratageneTM) , pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG, and pSVLSV40 (PharmaciaTM) .

Contacting the cells with a composition of the can occur in any culture media and under any culture conditions that promote the survival of the cells. For example, cells may be suspended in any appropriate nutrient medium that is convenient, such as Iscove's modified DMEM or RPMI 1640, supplemented with fetal calf serum or heat inactivated goat serum (about 5-10%) , L-glutamine, a thiol, particularly 2-mercaptoethanol, and antibiotics, e.g. penicillin and streptomycin. The culture may contain growth factors to which the cells are responsive. Growth factors, as defined herein, are molecules capable of promoting survival, growth and/or differentiation of cells, either in culture or in the intact tissue, through specific effects on a transmembrane receptor. Growth factors can include polypeptides and non-polypeptide factors.

In numerous embodiments, the chosen delivery system is targeted to specific tissue or cell types. In some cases, tissue-or cell-targeting of the delivery system is achieved by binding the delivery system to tissue-or cell-specific markers, such as cell surface proteins. Viral and non-viral delivery systems can be customized to target tissue or cell-types of interest.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing molecules (e.g., polypeptides and/or nucleic acids encoding polypeptides) or immune cells described herein can be administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments. In therapeutic applications, the compositions can be administered to a subject already suffering from a disease or condition, in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the symptoms of the disease or condition, or to cure, heal, improve, or ameliorate the condition. Amounts effective for this use can vary based on the severity and course of the disease or condition, previous therapy, the subject’s health status, weight, and response to the drugs, and the judgment of the treating physician.

Multiple therapeutic agents can be administered in any order or simultaneously. If simultaneously, the multiple therapeutic agents can be provided in a single, unified form, or in multiple forms, for example, as multiple separate pills. The molecules can be packed together or separately, in a single package or in a plurality of packages. One or all of the therapeutic agents can be given in multiple doses. If not simultaneous, the timing between the multiple doses may vary to as much as about a month.

Molecules described herein can be administered before, during, or after the occurrence of a disease or condition, and the timing of administering the composition containing a compound can vary. For example, the pharmaceutical compositions can be used as a prophylactic and can be administered continuously to subjects with a propensity to conditions or diseases in order to prevent the occurrence of the disease or condition. The molecules and pharmaceutical compositions can be administered to a subject during or as soon as possible after the onset of the symptoms. The administration of the molecules can be initiated within the first 48 hours of the onset of the symptoms, within the first 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms, within the first 6 hours of the onset of the symptoms, or within 3 hours of the onset of the symptoms. The initial administration can be via any route practical, such as by any route described herein using any formulation described herein. A molecule can be administered as soon as is practicable after the onset of a disease or condition is detected or suspected, and for a length of time necessary for the treatment of the disease, such as, for example, from about 1 month to about 3 months. The length of treatment can vary for each subject.

A molecule can be packaged into a biological compartment. A biological compartment comprising the molecule can be administered to a subject. Biological compartments can include, but are not limited to, viruses (lentivirus, adenovirus) , nanospheres, liposomes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, microparticles, nanocapsules, vesicles, polyethylene glycol particles, hydrogels, and micelles.

For example, a biological compartment can comprise a liposome. A liposome can be a self-assembling structure comprising one or more lipid bilayers, each of which can comprise two monolayers containing oppositely oriented amphipathic lipid molecules. Amphipathic lipids can comprise a polar (hydrophilic) headgroup covalently linked to one or two or more non-polar (hydrophobic) acyl or alkyl chains. Energetically unfavorable contacts between the hydrophobic acyl chains and a surrounding aqueous medium induce amphipathic lipid molecules to arrange themselves such that polar headgroups can be oriented towards the bilayer's surface and acyl chains are oriented towards the interior of the bilayer, effectively shielding the acyl chains from contact with the aqueous environment.

Examples of preferred amphipathic compounds used in liposomes can include phosphoglycerides and sphingolipids, representative examples of which include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, phoasphatidylglycerol, palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) , dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) , dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) , dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine and egg sphingomyelin, or any combination thereof.

A biological compartment can comprise a nanoparticle. A nanoparticle can comprise a diameter of from about 40 nanometers to about 1 . 5 micrometers, from about 50 nanometers to about 1.2 micrometers, from about 60 nanometers to about 1 micrometer, from about 70 nanometers to about 800 nanometers, from about 80 nanometers to about 600 nanometers, from about 90 nanometers to about 400 nanometers, from about 100 nanometers to about 200 nanometers.

In some instances, as the size of the nanoparticle increases, the release rate can be slowed or prolonged and as the size of the nanoparticle decreases, the release rate can be increased.

The amount of albumin in the nanoparticles can range from about 5%to about 85%albumin (v/v) , from about 10%to about 80%, from about 15%to about 80%, from about 20%to about 70%albumin (v/v) , from about 25%to about 60%, from about 30%to about 50%, or from about 35%to about 40%. The pharmaceutical composition can comprise up to 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80%or more of the nanoparticle. In some instances, the nucleic acid molecules of the disclosure can be bound to the surface of the nanoparticle.

A biological compartment can comprise a virus. The virus can be a delivery system for the pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure. Exemplary viruses can include lentivirus, retrovirus, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus I or II, parvovirus, reticuloendotheliosis virus, and adeno-associated virus (AAV) . Pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure can be delivered to a cell using a virus. The virus can infect and transduce the cell in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro. In ex vivo and in vitro delivery, the transduced cells can be administered to a subject in need of therapy.

Pharmaceutical compositions can be packaged into viral delivery systems. For example, the compositions can be packaged into virions by a HSV-1 helper virus-free packaging system.

Viral delivery systems (e.g., viruses comprising the pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure) can be administered by direct injection, stereotaxic injection, intracerebroventricularly, by minipump infusion systems, by convection, catheters, intravenous, parenteral, intraperitoneal, and/or subcutaenous injection, to a cell, tissue, or organ of a subject in need. In some instances, cells can be transduced in vitro or ex vivo with viral delivery systems. The transduced cells can be administered to a subject having a disease. For example, a stem cell can be transduced with a viral delivery system comprising a pharmaceutical composition and the stem cell can be implanted in the patient to treat a disease. In some instances, the dose of transduced cells given to a subject can be about 1×10 ⁵ cells/kg, about 5×10 ⁵ cells/kg, about 1×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 2×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 3×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 4×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 5×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 6×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 7×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 8×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 9×10 ⁶ cells/kg, about 1×10 ⁷ cells/kg, about 5×10 ⁷ cells/kg, about 1×10 ⁸ cells/kg, or more in one single dose.

Introduction of the biological compartments into cells can occur by viral or bacteriophage infection, transfection, conjugation, protoplast fusion, lipofection, electroporation, calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethyleneimine (PEI) -mediated transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, liposome-mediated transfection, particle gun technology, calcium phosphate precipitation, direct micro-injection, nanoparticle-mediated nucleic acid delivery, and the like.

In some embodiments, immune cells expressing a subject system are administered. Immune cells expressing a subject system can be administered before, during, or after the occurrence of a disease or condition, and the timing of administering the immune cells can vary. For example, immune cells expressing a subject system can be used as a prophylactic and can be administered continuously to subjects with a propensity to conditions or diseases in order to prevent the occurrence of the disease or condition. The immune cells can be administered to a subject during or as soon as possible after the onset of the symptoms. The administration can be initiated within the first 48 hours of the onset of the symptoms, within the first 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms, within the first 6 hours of the onset of the symptoms, or within 3 hours of the onset of the symptoms. The initial administration can be via any suitable route, such as by any route described herein using any formulation described herein. Immune cells can be administered as soon as is practicable after the onset of a disease or condition is detected or suspected, and for a length of time necessary for the treatment of the disease, such as, for example, from about 1 month to about 3 months. The length of treatment can vary for each subject.

A molecule described herein (e.g., polypeptide and/or nucleic acid) can be present in a composition in a range of from about 1 mg to about 2000 mg; from about 5 mg to about 1000 mg, from about 10 mg to about 25 mg to 500 mg, from about 50 mg to about 250 mg, from about 100 mg to about 200 mg, from about 1 mg to about 50 mg, from about 50 mg to about 100 mg, from about 100 mg to about 150 mg, from about 150 mg to about 200 mg, from about 200 mg to about 250 mg, from about 250 mg to about 300 mg, from about 300 mg to about 350 mg, from about 350 mg to about 400 mg, from about 400 mg to about 450 mg, from about 450 mg to about 500 mg, from about 500 mg to about 550 mg, from about 550 mg to about 600 mg, from about 600 mg to about 650 mg, from about 650 mg to about 700 mg, from about 700 mg to about 750 mg, from about 750 mg to about 800 mg, from about 800 mg to about 850 mg, from about 850 mg to about 900 mg, from about 900 mg to about 950 mg, or from about 950 mg to about 1000 mg.

A molecule (e.g., polypeptide and/or nucleic acid) described herein can be present in a composition in an amount of about 1 mg, about 2 mg, about 3 mg, about 4 mg, about 5 mg, about 10 mg, about 15 mg, about 20 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 35 mg, about 40 mg, about 45 mg, about 50 mg, about 55 mg, about 60 mg, about 65 mg, about 70 mg, about 75 mg, about 80 mg, about 85 mg, about 90 mg, about 95 mg, about 100 mg, about 125 mg, about 150 mg, about 175 mg, about 200 mg, about 250 mg, about 300 mg, about 350 mg, about 400 mg, about 450 mg, about 500 mg, about 550 mg, about 600 mg, about 650 mg, about 700 mg, about 750 mg, about 800 mg, about 850 mg, about 900 mg, about 950 mg, about 1000 mg, about 1050 mg, about 1100 mg, about 1150 mg, about 1200 mg, about 1250 mg, about 1300 mg, about 1350 mg, about 1400 mg, about 1450 mg, about 1500 mg, about 1550 mg, about 1600 mg, about 1650 mg, about 1700 mg, about 1750 mg, about 1800 mg, about 1850 mg, about 1900 mg, about 1950 mg, or about 2000 mg.

A molecule (e.g., polypeptide and/or nucleic acid) described herein can be present in a composition that provides at least 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 10 or more units of activity/mg molecule. The activity can be regulation of gene expression. In some embodiments, the total number of units of activity of the molecule delivered to a subject is at least 25,000, 30,000, 35,000, 40,000, 45,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 110,000, 120,000, 130,000, 140,000, 150,000, 160,000, 170,000, 180,000, 190,000, 200,000, 210,000, 220,000, 230,000, or 250,000 or more units. In some embodiments, the total number of units of activity of the molecule delivered to a subject is at most 25,000, 30,000, 35,000, 40,000, 45,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 110,000, 120,000, 130,000, 140,000, 150,000, 160,000, 170,000, 180,000, 190,000, 200,000, 210,000, 220,000, 230,000, or 250,000 or more units.

EXAMPLES

Various aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1: Preparation of neoantigen expressing cells

The preparation is illustrated in FIG. 1. PBMC or tumor tissue from surgery was subject to whole exome sequencing or RNA transcriptome sequencing. 20 mutations were then selected based on affinity prediction in view of the patient’s HLA typing. The gene encoding the neoantigen was synthesized and transcribed into RNA. PBMC was isolated, and subject to adherent culture for 2 hrs. Adherent monocytes were collected. Cytokines were added to promote dendritic cell differentiation and maturation. RNA was transfected into the dendritic cells (DC cells) via electroporation to generate neoantigen presenting DC cells (neoDC) . Similarly, B cells were obtained and transfected with the RNA encoding the neoantigen to generateoantigen presenting B cells (neoB) .

Example 2: Preparation of normal and enhanced neoantigen recognizing T cells

Tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) were isolated from autologous tissues of a tumor patient. Alternatively, T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a tumor patient. The T cells were co-cultivated with mixtures of neoB and neoDC, which were prepared from autologous cells of the patient (discussed in Example 1) , and screened for CD137 positive activated T cells to yield the neoantigen recognizing (i.e.g neoantigen reactive) T cells (neoT) . The neoTs were then expanded.

Example 3: Preparation of lentivirus vector for chemokines

Chemokines IL7 and CCL19 were chosen as exogenous chemokines to be introduced to T cells via viral transduction. Two groups were constructed, where in one group the lentivirus vector for chemokines IL7-CCL19 was directly constructed, and in the other group, IL7-CCL19-PD1/CD137 lentivirus vector was constructed by combining with a immune checkpoint-costimulatory Switch molecule PD1/CD137.

Fourth generation lentivirus vector system was used for the IL7-CCL19 lentivirus vector and the IL7-CCL19-PD1/CD137 lentivirus vector. The primary vector IL7-CCL19, the packaging vector pMDL-gag, Rev, and the envelope vector pMD2. G were co-transfected into HEK293T cells by calcium phosphate or liposome PEI. Supernatant was collected after 48 hours and lentiviruses were concentrated by ultra-speed centrifugation.

Titer determination of IL7-CCL19 lentivirus: lentiviruses were diluted in three fold series. 50ul lentiviruses were used to transfect HEK293T cells for 48 to 72 hours. 293T cells were collected for IL7 staining. The percentage of IL7+ cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Titer was calculated using the following equation:

Titer (TU/ml) = initial 293T cell number x percentage of IL7+ cells x dilution factor x 20 (calculation was initiated from the first dilution where the percentage of IL7+ cells was less than 20%) .

Titer of the IL7-CCL19 lentivirus was calculated. If the titer was larger than 3 x 10 ⁷, proceed to the next step.

IL7-CCL19-PD1/CD137 lentivirus vector can be prepared in a similar way. Additionally, PD1/CD137 lentivirus vector lacking the segment encoding IL7 and CCL19 can be prepared in a similar way.

Example 4: Preparation of chemotactic neoantigen recognizing T cells

Based on the titer of the IL7-CCL19 lentivirus prepared, lentiviruses were added into neoT cells with MOI = 5. Flow cytometry demonstrated that about 60%neoT expressed IL7-CCL19. IL7+ cells were sorted by flow cytometry to obtain the chemotactic neoT (CNT) .

Similarly, IL7-CCL19-PD1/CD137 lentivirus vectors were added into neoT to obtain chemotactic enhanced neoT (CENT) . Additionally, PD1/CD137 lentivirus vectors were added into neoT to obtain enhanced neoT (ENT) .

Example 5: Experiments on the recruitment effect of neoantigen recognizing T cells towards the tumor

Experiments are conducted on mice. Immunodeficient mice are used to construct a brain glioma PDX model using human brain glioma cells.

For the following groups, various types of T cells are re-infused via tail vein:

Group A: control group without T cells; group B: normal T cell group; group C: neoT cell group; group D: enhanced neoT (ENT) group; group E: chemotactic neoT (CNT) group; and group F: chemotactic enhanced neoT (CENT) group.

All T cell doses were set at 1×10 ⁶. Day 4 after re-infusion, peripheral blood is taken to determine the number of T cells. In the meanwhile, tumor is taken to determine the number of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) . TIL percentage, that is, the percentage of TIL in total T cells, was calculated, where total T cell = TIL + T cells determined in the peripheral blood.

Results:

Normal T cell group (group B) : number of T cells in the peripheral blood is about 1×10 ⁶, number of TIL was about 0; and TIL percentage was 0;

NeoT cell group (group C) : number of T cells in the peripheral blood is about 0.8×10 ⁶, number of TIL is about 0.3×10 ⁶; and TIL percentage was 27%;

Chemotactic neoT cell group (group E) : number of T cells in the peripheral blood is about 0.2×10 ⁶, number of TIL is about 1.0×10 ⁶; and TIL percentage was 77%;

Enhanced neoT cell group (group D) : number of T cells in the peripheral blood is about 0.3×10 ⁶, number of TIL is about 1.4×10 ⁶; and TIL percentage was 82%; and

Chemotactic enhanced neoT cell group (group F) : number of T cells in the peripheral blood is about 0.1×10 ⁶, number of TIL is about 1.8×10 ⁶; and TIL percentage is 95%.

The data demonstrates that no matter it is neoT or ENT, after genetic modification with cheomokine, that is, after they become CNT or CENT, respectively, the recruitment of them towards the tumor is superior to groups without introduction of chemokines: chemotactic neoT (CNT) group is superior to neoT group, and chemotactic enhanced neoT (CENT) group is superior to ENT group. As can be seen, the present invention can effectively increase the inhibitory effect of the neoantigen recognizing T cells on tumors.

Example 6: Experiments on the inhibitory effect of chemotactic neoantigen recognizing T cells on tumors

Group A: PBS control group; group B: normal T cell group; group C: neoT cell group; group D: enhanced neoT (ENT) group; group E: chemotactic neoT (CNT) group; and group F: chemotactic enhanced neoT (CENT) group.

All T cell doses are set at 1×10 ⁶. Changes in tumor sizes are observed continuously for six weeks.

In the control group and the normal T cell group, it is expected that the tumor progresses in an uncontrolled manner. As long as neoantigen recognizing T cells are involved in a group (groups C, D, E, and F) , the tumors exhibit significant shrinkage. Among them:

Tumors in the chemotactic enhanced neoT (CENT) group (group F) are expected to exhibit a greater degree of shrinkage. The experiment is expected to demonstrate that no matter if it is neoT or ENT, after genetic modification with chemokine, that is, after they become CNT or CENT, respectively, the inhibitory effect of them on the tumor is superior to groups without introduction of chemokines: chemotactic neoT (CNT) group is superior to neoT group, and chemotactic enhanced neoT (CENT) group is superior to ENT group.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

A modified immune cell overexpressing a chemokine, wherein said immune cell is (i) a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ; (ii) a stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) ; or (iii) a T cell exhibiting specific binding to an antigen.
A modified immune cell comprising a sequence encoding an exogenous chemokine, wherein said immune cell is (i) a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) ; (ii) a stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) ; or (iii) a T cell exhibiting specific binding to an antigen.
The modified immune cell of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said chemokine is a CC chemokine, a CXC chemokine, a C chemokine, or a CX3C chemokine.
The modified immune cell of claim 3, wherein said chemokine is a CC chemokine selected from CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL6, CCL7, CCL8, CCL9, CCL10, CCL11, CCL12, CCL13, CCL14, CCL15, CCL16, CCL17, CCL18, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CCL22, CCL23, CCL24, CCL25, CCL26, CCL27, and CCL28.
The modified immune cell of claim 3, wherein said chemokine is a CXC chemokine selected from CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL7, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL15, CXCL16, and CXCL17.
The modified immune cell of claim 3, wherein said chemokine is a C chemokine selected from XCL1 and XCL2.
The modified immune cell of claim 3, wherein said chemokine is a CX3C chemokine, and the CX3C chemokine is CX3CL1.
The modified immune cell of any of preceding claims, wherein the antigen is a neoantigen.
A method of treating a cancer of a subject, comprising:

(a) administering to a subject a modified immune cell of any one of the preceding claims; and

(b) contacting a target cell of the cancer expressing an antigen with the modified immune cell under conditions that induces cytotoxicity of the modified immune cell against the target cell of the cancer, thereby inducing death of the target cell of the cancer.
The method of claim 9, wherein the antigen is a neoantigen.