CHIMERIC RECEPTORS TO DLL3 AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/655,725, filed April 10, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0002] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on April 10, 2019, is named A-2249-WO-PCT_SL.txt and is 86,327 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for roughly 15% of all lung cancer cases diagnosed, but is an aggressive form of lung carcinoma (Enstone et al ., (2017) Pharmacoecon Open doi: 10. l007/s41669-017-0045-0; Bunn et al. (2016) J Thorac Oncol; 11 :453-74; Siegel et al ., (2016) CA Cancer J Clin;66:7-30). Delta-like 3 (DLL3) is a member of the Delta/Serrate/Lag- 2 family of ligands for the Notch receptor and is thought to play a role in Notch signaling. DLL3 is an inhibitory ligand of the Notch signaling pathway normally expressed exclusively on intracellular membranes (Geffers et al. (2007) J Cell Biol; 178:465-76.). Representative DLL3 protein orthologs include, but are not limited to, human (Accession Nos. NP 058637 and NP 982353), chimpanzee (Accession No. XP _003316395), mouse (Accession No. NP _03 l892), and rat (Accession No. NP _ 446118). In humans, the DLL3 gene consists of 8 exons spanning 9.5 kBp located on chromosome l9ql3. Alternate splicing within the last exon gives rise to two processed transcripts, one of 2389 bases (Accession No. NM_016941) and one of 2052 bases (Accession No. NM_203486). The former transcript encodes a 618 amino acid protein (Accession No. NP 058637; SEQ ID NO:29 ), whereas the latter encodes a 587 amino acid protein (Accession No. NP 982353; SEQ ID NO:30).In certain cancers, such as SCLC, DLL3 has been found to be expressed on the cell surface, making it a highly tumor-selective cell surface protein (Saunders et al. (2015) Sci Transl Med;7:302ral36.). [0004] Engineered immune cells have been shown to possess desired qualities in therapeutic treatments, particularly in oncology. Two main types of engineered immune cells are those that contain chimeric antigen receptors (termed“CARs” or“CAR-Ts”) and T-cell receptors (“TCRs”). These engineered cells are engineered to endow them with antigen specificity while retaining or enhancing their ability to recognize and kill a target cell. Chimeric antigen receptors may comprise, for example, (i) an antigen-specific component (“antigen binding molecule”), (ii) one or more costimulatory domains, and (iii) one or more activating domains. Each domain may be heterogeneous, that is, comprised of sequences derived from different protein chains. Chimeric antigen receptor-expressing immune cells (such as T cells) may be used in various therapies, including cancer therapies. It will be appreciated that costimulating polypeptides as defined herein may be used to enhance the activation of CAR-expressing cells against target antigens, and therefore increase the potency of adoptive immunotherapy.

[0005] T cells can be engineered to possess specificity to one or more desired targets. For example, T cells can be transduced with DNA or other genetic material encoding an antigen binding molecule, such as one or more single chain variable fragment (“scFv”) of an antibody, in conjunction with one or more signaling molecules, and/or one or more activating domains, such as CD3 zeta.

[0006] In addition to the CAR-T cells’ ability to recognize and destroy the targeted cells, successful T cell therapy benefits from the CAR-T cells’ ability to persist and maintain the ability to proliferate in response to antigen.

[0007] A need exists to identify novel and improved therapies for treating DLL3 related diseases and disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention relates to engineered immune cells (such as CARs or TCRs), antigen binding molecules (including but not limited to, antibodies, scFvs, heavy and/or light chains, and CDRs of these antigen binding molecules) with specificity to DLL3.

[0009] Chimeric antigen receptors of the invention typically comprise: (i) a DLL3 specific antigen binding molecule, (ii) one or more costimulatory domain, and (iii) one or more activating domain. It will be appreciated that each domain may be heterogeneous, thus comprised of sequences derived from different protein chains.

[0010] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a chimeric antigen receptor comprising an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to DLL3, wherein the antigen binding molecule comprises at least one of: (a) a variable heavy chain CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence differing from that of SEQ ID NO:42 or SEQ ID NO:52 or SEQ ID NO:62by not more than 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues; (b) a variable heavy chain CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence differing from that of SEQ ID NO:43 or SEQ ID NO:53 or SEQ ID NO:63 by not more than 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues; (c) a variable heavy chain CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence differing from that of 44 or SEQ ID NO: 54 or SEQ ID NO: 64 by not more than 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues; (d) a variable light chain CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence differing from that of SEQ ID NO:47 or SEQ ID NO:57 or SEQ ID NO:67 by not more than 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues; (e) a variable light chain CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence differing from that of SEQ ID NO:48 or SEQ ID NO:58 or SEQ ID NO:68 by not more than 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues; (f) a variable light chain CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence differing from that of SEQ ID:49 or SEQ ID NO:59 or SEQ ID NO:69 by not more than 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues.

[0011] In other embodiments, the chimeric antigen receptor further comprises at least one costimulatory domain. In further embodiments, the chimeric antigen receptor further comprises at least one activating domain.

[0012] In certain embodiments the costimulatory domain is a signaling region of CD28, CD28T, CD8, OX-40, 4-1BB/CD137, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD30, CD40, Programmed Death-l (PD-l), inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-l (LFA-l, CDl-la/CDl8), CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD247, CD276 (B7-H3), LIGHT, (TNFSF14), NKG2C, Ig alpha (CD79a), DAP-10, Fc gamma receptor, MHC class 1 molecule, TNF receptor proteins, an Immunoglobulin protein, cytokine receptor, integrins, Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM proteins), activating NK cell receptors, BTLA, a Toll ligand receptor, ICAM-l, B7-H3, CDS, ICAM-l, GITR, BAFFR, LIGHT, HVEM (LIGHTR), KIRDS2, SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD 8b eta, IL-2R beta, IL-2R gamma, IL-7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD1 ld, ITGAE, CD 103, ITGAL, CD1 la, LFA-l, IT GAM, CD1 lb, ITGAX, CD1 lc, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD 18, LFA-l, ITGB7, NKG2D, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Lyl08), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD 150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD 162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP-76, PAG/Cbp, CDl9a, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain is derived from 4-1BB. In other embodiments, the costimulatory domain is derived from CD28 or CD28T. In other embodiments, the costimulatory domain is derived from CD8. In other embodiments, the costimulatory domain is derived from 0X40. See also Hombach et al., Oncoimmunology. 2012 Jul. 1; 1(4): 458-466. In still other embodiments, the costimulatory domain comprises ICOS as described in Guedan et al. , August 14, 2014; Blood: 124 (7) and Shen et al, Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2013) 6:33. In still other embodiments, the costimulatory domain comprises CD27 as described in Song et al. , Oncoimmunology. 2012 Jul. 1 ; 1(4): 547-549.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the CD28 costimulatory domain comprises SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, or SEQ ID NO:8. In additional embodiments, the CD8 costimulatory domain comprises SEQ ID NO: 14. In additional embodiments, the 4-1BB costimulatory domain comprises SEQ ID NO: 16. In further embodiments, the activating domain comprises CD3, CD3 zeta, or CD3 zeta having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.

[0015] In other embodiments, the invention relates to a chimeric antigen receptor wherein the costimulatory domain comprises SEQ ID NO:2 and the activating domain comprises SEQ ID NO: lO.

[0016] The invention further relates to polynucleotides encoding the chimeric antigen receptors, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides. The vector can be, for example, a retroviral vector, a DNA vector, a plasmid, a RNA vector, an adenoviral vector, an adenovirus associated vector, a lentiviral vector, or any combination thereof. The invention further relates to immune cells comprising the vectors. In some embodiments, the lentiviral vector is a pGAR vector. [0017] Exemplary immune cells include, but are not limited to T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), NK cells, TCR-expressing cells, dendritic cells, or NK-T cells. The T cells can be autologous, allogeneic, or heterologous. In other embodiments, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the immune cells of described herein.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the invention relates to antigen binding molecules (and chimeric antigen receptors comprising these molecules) comprising at least one of:

(a) a VH region differing from the amino acid sequence of the VH region of 1H2.1 by no more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues and a VL region differing from the amino acid sequence of the VL region of 1H2.1 by no more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues;

(b) a VH region differing from the amino acid sequence of the VH region of 8D2 by no more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues and a VL region differing from the amino acid sequence of the VL region of 8D2 by no more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues;

(c) a VH region differing from the amino acid sequence of the VH region of 6B2 by no more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues and a VL region differing from the amino acid sequence of the VL region of 6B2 by no more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 amino acid residues; and wherein the VH and VL region or regions are linked by at least one linker.

[0019] In other embodiments, the invention relates to antigen binding molecules (and chimeric antigen receptors comprising these molecules) wherein the linker comprises at least one of the scFv G4S linker and the scFv Whitlow linker.

[0020] In other embodiments, the invention relates to vectors encoding the polypeptides of the invention and to immune cells comprising these polypeptides. Preferred immune cells include T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), NK cells, TCR-expressing cells, dendritic cells, or NK-T cells. The T cells may be autologous, allogeneic, or heterologous.

[0021] In other embodiments, the invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR) comprising an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to DLL3, wherein the antigen binding molecule comprises a variable heavy (VH) chain CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:44 or SEQ ID NO:54 or SEQ ID NO:64. The polynucleotides may further comprise an activating domain. In preferred embodiments, the activating domain is CD3, more preferably CD3 zeta, more preferably the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9.

[0022] In other embodiments, the invention includes a costimulatory domain, such as CD28, CD28T, 0X40, CD8, 4-1BB/CD137, CD2, CD3 (alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, gamma, zeta), CD4, CD5, CD7, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD27, CD30, CD 33, CD37, CD40, CD 45, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, CD154, PD-l, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-l (LFA-l (CD1 la/CDl8), CD247, CD276 (B7-H3), LIGHT (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 14; TNFSF14), NKG2C, Ig alpha (CD79a), DAP-10, Fc gamma receptor, MHC class I molecule, TNF, TNFr, integrin, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule, BTLA, Toll ligand receptor, ICAM-l, B7-H3, CDS, ICAM-l, GITR, BAFFR, LIGHT, HVEM (LIGHTR), KIRDS2, SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD 19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD8beta, IL-2R beta, IL-2R gamma, IL-7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CDl-ld, ITGAE, CD 103, ITGAL, CDl-la, LFA-l, ITGAM, CDl-lb, ITGAX, CD1- lc, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD 18, LFA-l, ITGB7, NKG2D, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD 160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD 100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Lyl08), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD 150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD 162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP- 76, PAG/Cbp, CDl9a, CD83 ligand, or fragments or combinations thereof. Preferred costimulatory domains are recited hereinbelow.

[0023] In further embodiments, the invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR), wherein said CAR or TCR comprises an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to DLL3, and wherein the antigen binding molecule comprises a variable light (VL) chain CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:57 and SEQ ID NO:67. The polynucleotide can further comprise an activating domain. The polynucleotide can further comprise a costimulatory domain. [0024] In other embodiments, the invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR) comprising an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to DLL3, wherein the antigen binding molecule heavy chain comprises CDR1 (SEQ ID NO:42), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO:43), and CDR3 (SEQ ID NO:44) and the antigen binding molecule light chain comprises CDR1 (SEQ ID NO:47), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO:48), and CDR3 (SEQ ID NO:49).

[0025] In other embodiments, the invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR) comprising an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to DLL3, wherein the antigen binding molecule heavy chain comprises CDR1 (SEQ ID NO:52), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO:53), and CDR3 (SEQ ID NO:54) and the antigen binding molecule light chain comprises CDR1 (SEQ ID NO:57), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO:58), and CDR3 (SEQ ID NO:59).

[0026] In other embodiments, the invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR) comprising an antigen binding molecule that specifically binds to DLL3, wherein the antigen binding molecule heavy chain comprises CDR1 (SEQ ID NO:62), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO:63), and CDR3 (SEQ ID NO:64) and the antigen binding molecule light chain comprises CDR1 (SEQ ID NO:67), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO:68), and CDR3 (SEQ ID NO:69).

[0027] The invention further relates to antigen binding molecules to DLL3 comprising at least one variable heavy chain CDR3 or variable light chain CDR3 sequence as set forth herein. The invention further relates to antigen binding molecules to DLL3 comprising at least one variable heavy chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences as described herein. The invention further relates to antigen binding molecules to DLL3 comprising at least one variable light chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences as described herein. The invention further relates to antigen binding molecules to DLL3 comprising both variable heavy chain CDR1, CDR2, CDR3, and variable light chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences as described herein.

[0028] Additional heavy and light chain variable domains and CDR polynuelcotide and amino acid sequences suitable for use in DLL3 -binding molecules according to the present invention are found in ET.S. Provisional Application Number 62/199,944, filed on July 31, 2015. [0029] The invention further relates to methods of treating a disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject the antigen binding molecules, the CARs, TCRs, polynucleotides, vectors, cells, or compositions according to the invention. Suitable diseases for treatment include, but are not limited to, adrenal, liver, kidney, bladder, breast, gastric, ovarian, cervical, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, prostate (e.g., prostate adenocarcinoma), pancreatic, lung (both small cell and non- small cell), thyroid, carcinomas, sarcomas, glioblastomas, head and neck tumors, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), medullary thyroid cancer, glioblastoma, neuroendocrine prostate cancer, (NEPC), high-grade gastroenteropancreatic cancer (GEP) and malignant melanoma.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] FIG. 1, depicts expression of DLL3 CARs in T cells from a healthy donor.

[0031] FIG. 2, depicts cytolytic activity of lentivirus-transduced CAR T cells from healthy donor.

[0032] FIG. 3, depicts cytokine production by CAR T cells from a healthy donor.

[0033] FIG. 4, depicts flow cytometric analysis of T cell proliferation in response to DLL3- expressing target cells.

[0034] FIG. 5, depicts in vivo anti -tumor activity of DLL3 CAR T cells in mouse xenogeneic model of human SCLC.

[0035] FIG. 6, depicts survival analysis of mouse SCLC xenogeneic model following DLL3 CAR T cell treatment.

[0036] FIG. 7, depicts the pGAR vector map.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] It will be appreciated that chimeric antigen receptors (CARs or CAR-Ts) and T cell receptors (TCRs) are genetically engineered receptors. These engineered receptors can be readily inserted into and expressed by immune cells, including T cells in accordance with techniques known in the art. With a CAR, a single receptor can be programmed to both recognize a specific antigen and, when bound to that antigen, activate the immune cell to attack and destroy the cell bearing that antigen. When these antigens exist on tumor cells, an immune cell that expresses the CAR can target and kill the tumor cell.

[0038] CARs can be engineered to bind to an antigen (such as a cell-surface antigen) by incorporating an antigen binding molecule that interacts with that targeted antigen. Preferably, the antigen binding molecule is an antibody fragment thereof, and more preferably one or more single chain antibody fragment (“scFv”). An scFv is a single chain antibody fragment having the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of an antibody linked together. See U.S. Patent Nos. 7,741,465, and 6,319,494 as well as Eshhar et al., Cancer Immunol Immunotherapy (1997) 45: 131-136. An scFv retains the parent antibody's ability to specifically interact with target antigen. scFvs are preferred for use in chimeric antigen receptors because they can be engineered to be expressed as part of a single chain along with the other CAR components. Id. See also Krause et al., J. Exp. Med., Volume 188, No. 4, 1998 (619-626); Finney et al., Journal of Immunology, 1998, 161 : 2791-2797. It will be appreciated that the antigen binding molecule is typically contained within the extracellular portion of the CAR such that it is capable of recognizing and binding to the antigen of interest. Bispecific and multispecific CARs are contemplated within the scope of the invention, with specificity to more than one target of interest.

[0039] Costimulatory Domains. Chimeric antigen receptors may incorporate costimulatory (signaling) domains to increase their potency. See U.S. Patent Nos. 7,741,465, and 6,319,494, as well as Krause et al. and Finney et al. (supra), Song et al, Blood 119:696-706 (2012); Kalos et al., Sci Transl. Med. 3 :95 (2011); Porter et al, N. Engl. J. Med. 365:725-33 (2011), and Gross et al., Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 56:59-83 (2016). For example, CD28 is a costimulatory protein found naturally on T-cells. The complete native amino acid sequence of CD28 is described in NCBI Reference Sequence: NP 006130.1. The complete native CD28 nucleic acid sequence is described in NCBI Reference Sequence: NM_006l39. l .

[0040] Certain CD28 domains have been used in chimeric antigen receptors. In accordance with the invention, it has now been found that a novel CD28 extracellular domain, termed “CD28T”, unexpectedly provides certain benefits when utilized in a CAR construct. [0041] The nucleotide sequence of the CD28T molecule, including the extracellular CD28T domain, and the CD28 transmembrane and intracellular domains is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 :

[0042] CTTGAT AAT GAAAAGT C AAACGGAAC AAT C ATT C ACGT GAAGGGC AAGC

ACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTGGGTGTTGGTCG T

AGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGGCTTTTATAATCTT C

TGGGTTAGATCCAAAAGAAGCCGCCTGCTCCATAGCGATTACATGAATATGACTCCA

CGCCGCCCTGGCCCCACAAGGAAACACTACCAGCCTTACGCACCACCTAGAGATTTC

GCTGCCTATCGGAGC

[0043] The corresponding amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO:2:

[0044] LDNEK SN GTIIHVKGKHLCP SPLFPGP SKPF W VL V V V GGVL AC Y SLL VT V AFII

FWVRSK RSRLLHSDYM NMTPRRPGPT RKHYQPYAPP RDFAAYRS

[0045] The nucleotide sequence of the extracellular portion of CD28T is set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 :

[0046] CTTGAT AAT GAAAAGT C AAACGGAAC AAT C ATT C ACGT GAAGGGC AAGC

ACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCA

[0047] The corresponding amino acid sequence of the CD28T extracellular domain is set forth in SEQ ID NO:4: LDNEK SNGTI IHVKGKHLCP SPLFPGPSKP

[0048] The nucleotide sequence of the CD28 transmembrane domain is set forth in SEQ ID NO:5):

[0049] TTCTGGGTGTTGGTCGTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTC GTCACCGTGGCTTTTATAATCTTCTGGGTT

[0050] The amino acid sequence of the CD28 transmembrane domain is set forth in

[0051] SEQ ID NO:6: FWVLVVVGGV LACYSLLVTV AFIIFWV

[0052] The nucleotide sequence of the CD28 intracellular signaling domain is set forth in SEQ

ID NO:7: [0053] AGATCCAAAAGAAGCCGCCTGCTCCATAGCGATTACATGAATATGACTCC

ACGCCGCCCTGGCCCCACAAGGAAACACTACCAGCCTTACGCACCACCTAGAGATT

TCGCTGCCTATCGGAGC

[0054] The amino acid sequence of the CD28 intracellular signaling domain is set forth in SEQ

ID NO : 8 : RSKRSRLLHSD YMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQP YAPPRDF AAYRS

[0055] Additional CD28 sequences suitable for use in the invention include the CD28 nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 :

[0056] ATTGAGGTGATGTATCCACCGCCTTACCTGGATAACGAAAAGAGTAACGG

TACCATCATTCACGTGAAAGGTAAACACCTGTGTCCTTCTCCCCTCTTCCCCGGGCC

ATCAAAGCCC

[0057] The corresponding amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12:

[0058] IEVM YPPP YLDNEK SN GTUHVKGKHLCP SPLFPGP SKP

[0059] Other suitable extracellular or transmembrane sequences can be derived from CD8. The nucleotide sequence of a suitable CD8 extracellular and transmembrane domain is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13:

[0060] GCTGCAGCATTGAGCAACTCAATAATGTATTTTAGTCACTTTGTACCAGTG

TTCTTGCCGGCTAAGCCTACTACCACACCCGCTCCACGGCCACCTACCCCAGCTCCT

ACCATCGCTTCACAGCCTCTGTCCCTGCGCCCAGAGGCTTGCCGACCGGCCGCAGGG

GGCGCTGTTCATACCAGAGGACTGGATTTCGCCTGCGATATCTATATCTGGGCACCC

CTGGCCGGAACCTGCGGCGTACTCCTGCTGTCCCTGGTCATCACGCTCTATTGTAAT

CACAGGAAC

[0061] The corresponding amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14:

[0062] AAALSNSIMYFSHFVPVFLPAKPTTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAG GA VHTRGLDF ACDI YIW APL AGT C GVLLL SL VITL Y CNHRN

[0063] Other suitable intracellular signaling sequences can be derived from 41-BB. The nucleotide sequence of a suitable 41-BB intracellular signaling domain is set forth in SEQ ID NO: l5: [0064] CGCTTTTCCGTCGTTAAGCGGGGGAGAAAAAAGCTGCTGTACATTTTCAA

ACAGCCGTTTATGAGGCCGGTCCAAACGACTCAGGAAGAGGACGGCTGCTCCTGCC

GCTTTCCTGAGGAGGAGGAGGGCGGGT GCGAACTG

[0065] The corresponding amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO: l6:

[0066] RFSVVKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCEL

[0067] Suitable costimulatory domains within the scope of the invention can be derived from, among other sources, CD28, CD28T, 0X40, 4-1BB/CD137, CD2, CD3 (alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, gamma, zeta), CD4, CD5, CD7, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD27, CD30, CD 33, CD37, CD40, CD 45, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, CD154, PD-l, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-l (LFA-l (CD1 la/CDl8), CD247, CD276 (B7-H3), LIGHT (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 14; TNFSF14), NKG2C, Ig alpha (CD79a), DAP-10, Fc gamma receptor, MHC class I molecule, TNF, TNFr, integrin, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule, BTLA, Toll ligand receptor, ICAM-l, B7-H3, CDS, ICAM-l, GITR, BAFFR, LIGHT, HVEM (LIGHTR), KIRDS2, SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD8beta, IL-2R beta, IL-2R gamma, IL-7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CDl-ld, ITGAE, CD 103, IT GAL, CDl-la, LFA-l, ITGAM, CDl-lb, ITGAX, CDl-lc, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD 18, LFA-l, ITGB7, NKG2D, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Lyl08), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD 150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD 162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP-76, PAG/Cbp, CDl9a, CD83 ligand, or fragments or combinations thereof.

[0068] Activating Domains.

[0069] CD3 is an element of the T cell receptor on native T cells, and has been shown to be an important intracellular activating element in CARs. In a preferred embodiment, the CD3 is CD3 zeta, the nucleotide sequence of which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:9:

[0070] AGGGT GA AGTTTTC C AGATCTGC AGAT GC AC C AGC GT ATC AGC AGGGC C A GAACCAACTGTATAACGAGCTCAACCTGGGACGCAGGGAAGAGTATGACGTTTTGG ACAAGCGCAGAGGACGGGACCCTGAGATGGGTGGCAAACCAAGACGAAAAAACCC CCAGGAGGGTCTCTATAATGAGCTGCAGAAGGATAAGATGGCTGAAGCCTATTCTG

AAATAGGCATGAAAGGAGAGCGGAGAAGGGGAAAAGGGCACGACGGTTTGTACCA

GGGACTCAGCACTGCTACGAAGGATACTTATGACGCTCTCCACATGCAAGCCCTGCC

ACCTAGG

[0071] The corresponding amino acid of intracellular CD3 zeta is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10:

[0072] RVKF SRS AD APAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPR RKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHM QALPPR

DOMAIN ORIENTATION

[0073] Structurally, it will appreciated that these domains correspond to locations relative to the immune cell. Thus, these domains can be part of the (i)“hinge” or extracellular (EC) domain (EC), (ii) the transmembrane (TM) domain, and/or (iii) the intracellular (cytoplasmic) domain (IC). The intracellular component frequently comprises in part a member of the CD3 family, preferably CD3 zeta, which is capable of activating the T cell upon binding of the antigen binding molecule to its target. In one embodiment, the hinge domain is typically comprised of at least one costimulatory domain as defined herein.

[0074] It will also be appreciated that the hinge region may also contain some or all of a member of the immunoglobulin family such as IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgD, IgE, IgM, or fragment thereof.

[0075] Exemplary CAR constructs in accordance with the invention are set forth in Table 1.

Table 1

DOMAINS RELATIVE TO THE CELL

[0076] It will be appreciated that relative to the cell bearing the receptor, the engineered T cells of the invention comprise an antigen binding molecule (such as an scFv), an extracellular domain (which may comprise a“hinge” domain), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The intracellular domain comprises at least in part an activating domain, preferably comprised of a CD3 family member such as CD3 zeta, CD3 epsilon, CD3 gamma, or portions thereof. It will further be appreciated that the antigen binding molecule (e.g., one or more scFvs) is engineered such that it is located in the extracellular portion of the molecule/construct, such that it is capable of recognizing and binding to its target or targets.

[0077] Extracellular Domain. The extracellular domain is beneficial for signaling and for an efficient response of lymphocytes to an antigen. Extracellular domains of particular use in this invention may be derived from (i.e., comprise) CD28, CD28T, OX-40, 4-1BB/CD137, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD30, CD40, programmed death-l (PD-l), inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-l (LFA-l, CDl-la/CDl8), CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD247, CD276 (B7-H3), LIGHT, (TNFSF14), NKG2C, Ig alpha (CD79a), DAP-10, Fc gamma receptor, MHC class 1 molecule, TNF receptor proteins, an Immunoglobulin protein, cytokine receptor, integrins, Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM proteins), activating NK cell receptors, BTLA, a Toll ligand receptor, ICAM-l, B7-H3, CDS, ICAM-l, GITR, BAFFR, LIGHT, HVEM (LIGHTR), KIRDS2, SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD8beta, IL-2R beta, IL-2R gamma, IL-7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD1 ld, ITGAE, CD 103, IT GAL, CD1 la, LFA-l, ITGAM, CD1 lb, ITGAX, CD1 lc, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD 18, LFA-l, ITGB7, NKG2D, TNFR2, TRAN CE/R ANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD 100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Lyl08), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD 162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP-76, PAG/Cbp, CDl9a, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, or any combination thereof. The extracellular domain may be derived either from a natural or from a synthetic source.

[0078] As described herein, extracellular domains often comprise a hinge portion. This is a portion of the extracellular domain, sometimes referred to as a“spacer” region. A variety of hinges can be employed in accordance with the invention, including costimulatory molecules as discussed above, as well as immunoglobulin (Ig) sequences or other suitable molecules to achieve the desired special distance from the target cell. In some embodiments, the entire extracellular region comprises a hinge region. In some embodiments, the hinge region comprises CD28T, or the EC domain of CD28.

[0079] Transmembrane Domain. The CAR can be designed to comprise a transmembrane domain that is fused to the extracellular domain of the CAR. It can similarly be fused to the intracellular domain of the CAR. In one embodiment, the transmembrane domain that naturally is associated with one of the domains in a CAR is used. In some instances, the transmembrane domain can be selected or modified by amino acid substitution to avoid binding of such domains to the transmembrane domains of the same or different surface membrane proteins to minimize interactions with other members of the receptor complex. The transmembrane domain may be derived either from a natural or from a synthetic source. Where the source is natural, the domain may be derived from any membrane-bound or transmembrane protein. Transmembrane regions of particular use in this invention may be derived from (i.e. comprise) CD28, CD28T, OX-40, 4- 1BB/CD137, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD30, CD40, programmed death-l (PD-l), inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS), lymphocyte function-associated antigen- 1 (LFA-l, CDl-la/CDl8), CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD247, CD276 (B7-H3), LIGHT, (TNFSF14), NKG2C, Ig alpha (CD79a), DAP- 10, Fc gamma receptor, MHC class 1 molecule, TNF receptor proteins, an Immunoglobulin protein, cytokine receptor, integrins, Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM proteins), activating NK cell receptors, BTLA, a Toll ligand receptor, ICAM- 1, B7-H3, CDS, ICAM-l, GITR, BAFFR, LIGHT, HVEM (LIGHTR), KIRDS2, SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD8beta, IL-2R beta, IL-2R gamma, IL-7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD1 ld, ITGAE, CD 103, ITGAL, CD1 la, LFA-l, ITGAM, CD1 lb, ITGAX, CD1 lc, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD 18, LFA-l, ITGB7, NKG2D, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD 160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD 100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Lyl08), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD 150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD 162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP- 76, PAG/Cbp, CDl9a, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, or any combination thereof.

[0080] Optionally, short linkers may form linkages between any or some of the extracellular, transmembrane, and intracellular domains of the CAR.

[0081] In one embodiment, the transmembrane domain in the CAR of the invention is a CD8 transmembrane domain. In one embodiment, the CD8 transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane portion of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. In another embodiment, the CD8 transmembrane domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence that encodes the transmembrane amino acid sequence contained within SEQ ID NO: 14.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain in the CAR of the invention is the CD28 transmembrane domain. In one embodiment, the CD28 transmembrane domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In one embodiment, the CD28 transmembrane domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6. In another embodiment, the CD28 transmembrane domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6.

[0083] Intracellular [Cytoplasmic] Domain. The intracellular (cytoplasmic) domain of the engineered T cells of the invention can provide activation of at least one of the normal effector functions of the immune cell. Effector function of a T cell, for example, may be cytolytic activity or helper activity including the secretion of cytokines.

[0084] It will be appreciated that suitable intracellular molecules include (i.e., comprise), but are not limited to CD28, CD28T, OX-40, 4-1BB/CD137, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD30, CD40, programmed death-l (PD-l), inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS), lymphocyte function- associated antigen- 1 (LFA-l, CDl-la/CDl8), CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD247, CD276 (B7-H3), LIGHT, (TNFSF14), NKG2C, Ig alpha (CD79a), DAP-10, Fc gamma receptor, MHC class 1 molecule, TNF receptor proteins, an Immunoglobulin protein, cytokine receptor, integrins, Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM proteins), activating NK cell receptors, BTLA, a Toll ligand receptor, ICAM-l, B7-H3, CDS, ICAM-l, GITR, BAFFR, LIGHT, HVEM (LIGHTR), KIRDS2, SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD8beta, IL-2R beta, IL-2R gamma, IL-7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, IT GAD, CD1 ld, ITGAE, CD 103, ITGAL, CD1 la, LFA-l, ITGAM, CD1 lb, ITGAX, CD1 lc, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD 18, LFA-l, ITGB7, NKG2D, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Lyl08), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD 150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD 162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP-76, PAG/Cbp, CDl9a, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, or any combination thereof.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the cytoplasmic domain of the CAR can be designed to comprise the CD3 zeta signaling domain by itself or combined with any other desired cytoplasmic domain(s) useful in the context of the CAR of the invention. For example, the cytoplasmic domain of the CAR can comprise a CD3 zeta chain portion and a costimulatory signaling region.

[0086] The cytoplasmic signaling sequences within the cytoplasmic signaling portion of the CAR of the invention may be linked to each other in a random or specified order.

[0087] In one preferred embodiment, the cytoplasmic domain is designed to comprise the signaling domain of CD3 zeta and the signaling domain of CD28. In another embodiment, the cytoplasmic domain is designed to comprise the signaling domain of CD3 zeta and the signaling domain of 4-1BB, wherein the cytoplasmic CD28 comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 and the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16. . In another embodiment, the cytoplasmic domain in the CAR of the invention is designed to comprise a portion of CD28 and CD3 zeta, wherein the cytoplasmic CD28 comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 and the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8. The CD3 zeta nucleic acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO:8.

[0088] It will be appreciated that one preferred orientation of the CARs in accordance with the invention comprises an antigen binding domain (such as scFv) in tandem with a costimulatory domain and an activating domain. The costimulatory domain can comprise one or more of an extracellular portion, a transmembrane portion, and an intracellular portion. It will be further appreciated that multiple costimulatory domains can be utilized in tandem.

[0089] In some embodiments, nucleic acids are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a first polynucleotide encoding an antigen binding molecule, at least one costimulatory molecule, and an activating domain.

[0090] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid construct is contained within a viral vector. In some embodiments, the viral vector is selected from the group consisting of retroviral vectors, murine leukemia virus vectors, SFG vectors, adenoviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, adeno- associated virus (AAV) vectors, Herpes virus vectors, and vaccinia virus vectors. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is contained within a plasmid.

[0091] The invention further relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding the chimeric antigen receptors, and vectors comprising the polynucleotides. Any vector known in the art can be suitable for the present invention. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector. In some embodiments, the vector is a retroviral vector (such as pMSVGl), a DNA vector, a murine leukemia virus vector, an SFG vector, a plasmid, a RNA vector, an adenoviral vector, a baculoviral vector, an Epstein Barr viral vector, a papovaviral vector, a vaccinia viral vector, a herpes simplex viral vector, an adenovirus associated vector (AAV), a lentiviral vector (such as pGAR), or any combination thereof. The pGAR vector map is shown in FIGURE 7. The pGAR sequence is as follows:

CTGACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGC

GTGACCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCC T

TTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAG G

GTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTAGGGTGATGG

TTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTC C

ACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCG

GTCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAAT G

AGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGCTTACAATTT

GCCATTCGCCATTCAGGCTGCGCAACTGTTGGGAAGGGCGATCGGTGCGGGCCTCTT

CGCTATTACGCCAGCTGGCGAAAGGGGGATGTGCTGCAAGGCGATTAAGTTGGGTA

ACGCCAGGGTTTTCCCAGTCACGACGTTGTAAAACGACGGCCAGTGAATTGTAATAC GACTCACTATAGGGCGACCCGGGGATGGCGCGCCAGTAATCAATTACGGGGTCATT

AGTTCATAGCCCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCCGCC

TGGCTGACCGCCCAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCAT

AGTAACGCCAATAGGGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGAGTATTTACGGTAAAC

TGCCCACTTGGCAGTACATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGT

CAATGACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTT

TCCTACTTGGCAGTACATCTACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGCTGATGCGGTT T

TGGC AGT AC AT C AAT GGGCGT GGAT AGCGGTTTGACTC ACGGGGATTTCC AAGTCTC

CACCCCATTGACGTCAATGGGAGTTTGTTTTGGCACCAAAATCAACGGGACTTTCCA

AAATGTCGTAACAACTCCGCCCCATTGACGCAAATGGGCGGTAGGCGTGTACGGTG

GGAGGTCTATATAAGCAGAGCTGGTTTAGTGAACCGGGGTCTCTCTGGTTAGACCAG

ATCTGAGCCTGGGAGCTCTCTGGCTAACTAGGGAACCCACTGCTTAAGCCTCAATAA

AGCTTGCCTTGAGTGCTTCAAGTAGTGTGTGCCCGTCTGTTGTGTGACTCTGGTAAC T

AGAGATCCCTCAGACCCTTTTAGTCAGTGTGGAAAATCTCTAGCAGTGGCGCCCGAA

CAGGGACTTGAAAGCGAAAGGGAAACCAGAGGAGCTCTCTCGACGCAGGACTCGG

CTTGCTGAAGCGCGCACGGCAAGAGGCGAGGGGCGGCGACTGGTGAGTACGCCAA

AAATTTTGACTAGCGGAGGCTAGAAGGAGAGAGATGGGTGCGAGAGCGTCAGTATT

A AGC GGGGG AG A AT T AG AT C GC GAT GGG A A A A A AT T C GGTT A AGGC C AGGGGG A A

AGAAAAAAT AT AAATT AAAAC AT AT AGT AT GGGC A AGC AGGGAGCT AGAACGATTC

GCAGTTAATCCTGGCCTGTTAGAAACATCAGAAGGCTGTAGACAAATACTGGGACA

GCTACAACCATCCCTTCAGACAGGATCAGAAGAACTTAGATCATTATATAATACAGT

AGCAACCCTCTATTGTGTGCATCAAAGGATAGAGATAAAAGACACCAAGGAAGCTT

TAGACAAGATAGAGGAAGAGC AAAAC AAAAGTAAGACCACCGCACAGCAAGCCGC

CGC T GAT C TT C AGAC CTGGAGGAGGAGAT AT GAGGGAC A ATTGGAGA AGT GA ATT A

T AT AAAT AT AAAGT AGT AAAAATTGA ACC ATT AGGAGT AGC ACCC ACC A AGGC AAA

GAGAAGAGTGGT GC AGAGAGAAAAAAGAGC AGT GGG AAT AGGAGCTTT GTTCCTTG

GGTTC TT GGGAGC AGC AGGA AGC AC T AT GGGC GC AGC GT C A AT GACGCTGAC GGT A

CAGGCCAGACAATTATTGTCTGGTATAGTGCAGCAGCAGAACAATTTGCTGAGGGCT

ATTGAGGCGCAACAGCATCTGTTGCAACTCACAGTCTGGGGCATCAAGCAGCTCCA

GGCAAGAATCCTGGCTGTGGAAAGATACCTAAAGGATCAACAGCTCCTGGGGATTT GGGGTTGCTCTGGAAAACTCATTTGCACCACTGCTGTGCCTTGGAATGCTAGTTGGA

GTAATAAATCTCTGGAACAGATTTGGAATCACACGACCTGGATGGAGTGGGACAGA

GAAATTAACAATTACACAAGCTTAATACACTCCTTAATTGAAGAATCGCAAAACCA

GC AAGAAAAGAAT GAAC AAGAATT ATTGGAATT AG AT AAATGGGC AAGTTT GTGGA

ATTGGTTTAACATAACAAATTGGCTGTGGTATATAAAATTATTCATAATGATAGTAG

GAGGCTTGGTAGGTTTAAGAATAGTTTTTGCTGTACTTTCTATAGTGAATAGAGTTA

GGCAGGGATATTCACCATTATCGTTTCAGACCCACCTCCCAACCCCGAGGGGACCCG

AC AGGCCCGAAGGAAT AGAAGAAGAAGGT GGAGAGAGAGAC AGAGAC AGATCC AT

TCGATTAGTGAACGGATCTCGACGGTATCGGTTAACTTTTAAAAGAAAAGGGGGGA

TTGGGGGGTACAGTGCAGGGGAAAGAATAGTAGACATAATAGCAACAGACATACA

AACT AAAGAATT AC AAAAAC AAATT AC A AAATTC AAAATTTT ATCGCGATCGCGGA

ATGAAAGACCCCACCTGTAGGTTTGGCAAGCTAGCTTAAGTAACGCCATTTTGCAAG

GC AT GG A A A AT AC AT A AC T GAG A AT AG AG A AGT T C AG AT C A AGGT T AGG A AC AG AG

AGACAGCAGAATATGGGCCAAACAGGATATCTGTGGTAAGCAGTTCCTGCCCCGGC

TCAGGGCCAAGAACAGATGGTCCCCAGATGCGGTCCCGCCCTCAGCAGTTTCTAGA

GAACCATCAGATGTTTCCAGGGTGCCCCAAGGACCTGAAAATGACCCTGTGCCTTAT

TTGAACTAACCAATCAGTTCGCTTCTCGCTTCTGTTCGCGCGCTTCTGCTCCCCGAG C

TCAATAAAAGAGCCCACAACCCCTCACTCGGCGCGCCAGTCCTTCGAAGTAGATCTT

TGTCGATCCTACCATCCACTCGACACACCCGCCAGCGGCCGCTGCCAAGCTTCCGAG

CTCTCGAATTAATTCACGGTACCCACCATGGCCTAGGGAGACTAGTCGAATCGATAT

CAACCTCTGGATTACAAAATTTGTGAAAGATTGACTGGTATTCTTAACTATGTTGCT C

CTTTTACGCTATGTGGATACGCTGCTTTAATGCCTTTGTATCATGCTATTGCTTCCC G

TATGGCTTTCATTTTCTCCTCCTTGTATAAATCCTGGTTGCTGTCTCTTTATGAGGA GT

TGTGGCCCGTTGTCAGGCAACGTGGCGTGGTGTGCACTGTGTTTGCTGACGCAACCC

CCACTGGTTGGGGCATTGCCACCACCTGTCAGCTCCTTTCCGGGACTTTCGCTTTCC C

CCTCCCTATTGCCACGGCGGAACTCATCGCCGCCTGCCTTGCCCGCTGCTGGACAGG

GGCTCGGCTGTTGGGCACTGACAATTCCGTGGTGTTGTCGGGGAAGCTGACGTCCTT

TTCATGGCTGCTCGCCTGTGTTGCCACCTGGATTCTGCGCGGGACGTCCTTCTGCTA C

GTCCCTTCGGCCCTCAATCCAGCGGACCTTCCTTCCCGCGGCCTGCTGCCGGCTCTG C

GGCCTCTTCCGCGTCTTCGCCTTCGCCCTCAGACGAGTCGGATCTCCCTTTGGGCCG C CTCCCCGCCTGGTTAATTAAAGTACCTTTAAGACCAATGACTTACAAGGCAGCTGTA

GATCTTAGCCACTTTTTAAAAGAAAAGGGGGGACTGGAAGGGCGAATTCACTCCCA

ACGAAGACAAGATCTGCTTTTTGCTTGTACTGGGTCTCTCTGGTTAGACCAGATCTG

AGCCTGGGAGCTCTCTGGCTAACTAGGGAACCCACTGCTTAAGCCTCAATAAAGCTT

GCCTTGAGTGCTTCAAGTAGTGTGTGCCCGTCTGTTGTGTGACTCTGGTAACTAGAG

ATCCCTCAGACCCTTTTAGTCAGTGTGGAAAATCTCTAGCAGGCATGCCAGACATGA

T A AG AT AC ATT GAT GAGTTTGG AC A A AC C AC A ACT AG A AT GC AGT GA A A A A A AT GC

TTTATTTGTGAAATTTGTGATGCTATTGCTTTATTTGTAACCATTATAAGCTGCAAT A

AAC AAGTT AAC AAC AAC AATT GC ATT C ATTTT AT GTTTC AGGTTC AGGGGGAGGT GT

GGGAGGTTTTTTGGCGCGCCATCGTCGAGGTTCCCTTTAGTGAGGGTTAATTGCGAG

CTTGGCGTAATCATGGTCATAGCTGTTTCCTGTGTGAAATTGTTATCCGCTCACAAT T

CC AC AC AAC AT ACGAGCCGGAAGC AT AAAGT GT AA AGCCTGGGGT GCCT AAT GAGT

GAGCTAACTCACATTAATTGCGTTGCGCTCACTGCCCGCTTTCCAGTCGGGAAACCT

GTCGTGCCAGCTGCATTAATGAATCGGCCAACGCGCGGGGAGAGGCGGTTTGCGTA

TTGGGCGCTCTTCCGCTTCCTCGCTCACTGACTCGCTGCGCTCGGTCGTTCGGCTGC G

GCGAGCGGTATCAGCTCACTCAAAGGCGGTAATACGGTTATCCACAGAATCAGGGG

ATAACGCAGGAAAGAACATGTGAGCAAAAGGCCAGCAAAAGGCCAGGAACCGTAA

AAAGGCCGCGTTGCTGGCGTTTTTCCATAGGCTCCGCCCCCCTGACGAGCATCACAA

AAATCGACGCTCAAGTCAGAGGTGGCGAAACCCGACAGGACTATAAAGATACCAGG

CGTTTCCCCCTGGAAGCTCCCTCGTGCGCTCTCCTGTTCCGACCCTGCCGCTTACCG G

ATACCTGTCCGCCTTTCTCCCTTCGGGAAGCGTGGCGCTTTCTCATAGCTCACGCTG T

AGGTATCTCAGTTCGGTGTAGGTCGTTCGCTCCAAGCTGGGCTGTGTGCACGAACCC

CCCGTTCAGCCCGACCGCTGCGCCTTATCCGGTAACTATCGTCTTGAGTCCAACCCG

GTAAGACACGACTTATCGCCACTGGCAGCAGCCACTGGTAACAGGATTAGCAGAGC

GAGGTATGTAGGCGGTGCTACAGAGTTCTTGAAGTGGTGGCCTAACTACGGCTACAC

TAGAAGAACAGTATTTGGTATCTGCGCTCTGCTGAAGCCAGTTACCTTCGGAAAAAG

AGTTGGTAGCTCTTGATCCGGCAAACAAACCACCGCTGGTAGCGGTGGTTTTTTTGT

TTGCAAGCAGCAGATTACGCGCAGAAAAAAAGGATCTCAAGAAGATCCTTTGATCT

TTTCTACGGGGTCTGACGCTCAGTGGAACGAAAACTCACGTTAAGGGATTTTGGTCA

TGAGATTATCAAAAAGGATCTTCACCTAGATCCTTTTAAATTAAAAATGAAGTTTTA A AT C A ATCT A A AGT AT AT AT GAGT A A AC TT GGT C T GAC AGTT AC C A AT GCTT A AT C A

GTGAGGCACCTATCTCAGCGATCTGTCTATTTCGTTCATCCATAGTTGCCTGACTCC C

CGTCGTGTAGATAACTACGATACGGGAGGGCTTACCATCTGGCCCCAGTGCTGCAAT

GATACCGCGAGACCCACGCTCACCGGCTCCAGATTTATCAGCAATAAACCAGCCAG

CCGGAAGGGCCGAGCGCAGAAGTGGTCCTGCAACTTTATCCGCCTCCATCCAGTCTA

TTAATTGTTGCCGGGAAGCTAGAGTAAGTAGTTCGCCAGTTAATAGTTTGCGCAACG

TTGTTGCCATTGCTACAGGCATCGTGGTGTCACGCTCGTCGTTTGGTATGGCTTCAT T

CAGCTCCGGTTCCCAACGATCAAGGCGAGTTACATGATCCCCCATGTTGTGCAAAAA

AGCGGTTAGCTCCTTCGGTCCTCCGATCGTTGTCAGAAGTAAGTTGGCCGCAGTGTT

ATCACTCATGGTTATGGCAGCACTGCATAATTCTCTTACTGTCATGCCATCCGTAAG

ATGCTTTTCTGTGACTGGTGAGTACTCAACCAAGTCATTCTGAGAATAGTGTATGCG

GCGACCGAGTTGCTCTTGCCCGGCGTCAATACGGGATAATACCGCGCCACATAGCA

GAACTTTAAAAGTGCTCATCATTGGAAAACGTTCTTCGGGGCGAAAACTCTCAAGGA

TCTTACCGCTGTTGAGATCCAGTTCGATGTAACCCACTCGTGCACCCAACTGATCTT C

AGCATCTTTTACTTTCACCAGCGTTTCTGGGTGAGCAAAAACAGGAAGGCAAAATGC

CGCAAAAAAGGGAATAAGGGCGACACGGAAATGTTGAATACTCATACTCTTCCTTTT

T C AAT ATT ATT GAAGC ATTT AT C AGGGTT ATT GTCTC ATGAGCGGAT AC AT ATTT GA

ATGTATTTAGAAAAATAAACAAATAGGGGTTCCGCGCACATTTCCCCGAAAAGTGC

CAC (SEQ ID NO: 70)

[0092] Suitable additional exemplary vectors include e.g., pBABE-puro, pBABE-neo largeTcDNA, pBABE-hygro-hTERT, pMKO. l GFP, MSCV-IRES-GFP, pMSCV PIG (Puro IRES GFP empty plasmid), pMSCV-loxp-dsRed-loxp-eGFP-Puro-WPRE, MSCV IRES Luciferase, pMIG, MDH1-PGK-GFP 2.0, TtRMPVIR, pMSCV-IRES-mCherry FP, pRetroX GFP T2A Cre, pRXTN, pLncEXP, and pLXIN-Luc.

[0093] In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is a T cell, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), NK cell, TCR-expressing cell, dendritic cell, or NK-T cell. In some embodiments, the cell is obtained or prepared from peripheral blood. In some embodiments, the cell is obtained or prepared from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In some embodiments, the cell is obtained or prepared from bone marrow. In some embodiments, the cell is obtained or prepared from umbilical cord blood. In some embodiments, the cell is a human cell. In some embodiments, the cell is transfected or transduced by the nucleic acid vector using a method selected from the group consisting of electroporation, sonoporation, biolistics (e.g., Gene Gun), lipid transfection, polymer transfection, nanoparticles, or polyplexes.

[0094] In some embodiments, chimeric antigen receptors are expressed in the engineered immune cells that comprise the nucleic acids of the present application. These chimeric antigen receptors of the present application may comprise, in some embodiments, (i) an antigen binding molecule (such as an scFv), (ii) a transmembrane region, and (iii) a T cell activation molecule or region.

ANTIGEN BINDING MOLECULES

[0095] Antigen binding molecules are within the scope of the invention.

[0096] An“antigen binding molecule” as used herein means any protein that binds a specified target antigen. In the instant application, the specified target antigen is the DLL3 protein or fragment thereof. Antigen binding molecules include, but are not limited to antibodies and binding parts thereof, such as immunologically functional fragments. Peptibodies (i.e., Fc fusion molecules comprising peptide binding domains) are another example of suitable antigen binding molecules.

[0097] In some embodiments, the antigen binding molecule binds to an antigen on a tumor cell. In some embodiments, the antigen binding molecule binds to an antigen on a cell involved in a hyperproliferative disease or to a viral or bacterial antigen. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding molecule binds to DLL3. In further embodiments, the antigen binding molecule is an antibody of fragment thereof, including one or more of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) thereof. In further embodiments, the antigen binding molecule is a single chain variable fragment (scFv).

[0098] The term“immunologically functional fragment” (or“fragment”) of an antigen binding molecule is a species of antigen binding molecule comprising a portion (regardless of how that portion is obtained or synthesized) of an antibody that lacks at least some of the amino acids present in a full-length chain but which is still capable of specifically binding to an antigen. Such fragments are biologically active in that they bind to the target antigen and can compete with other antigen binding molecules, including intact antibodies, for binding to a given epitope. In some embodiments, the fragments are neutralizing fragments. In some embodiments, the fragments can block or reduce the activity of DLL3. In one aspect, such a fragment will retain at least one CDR present in the full-length light or heavy chain, and in some embodiments will comprise a single heavy chain and/or light chain or portion thereof. These fragments can be produced by recombinant DNA techniques, or can be produced by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of antigen binding molecules, including intact antibodies.

[0099] Immunologically functional immunoglobulin fragments include, but are not limited to, scFv fragments, Fab fragments (Fab ¹ , F(ab')2, and the like), one or more CDR, a diabody (heavy chain variable domain on the same polypeptide as a light chain variable domain, connected via a short peptide linker that is too short to permit pairing between the two domains on the same chain), domain antibodies, and single-chain antibodies. These fragments can be derived from any mammalian source, including but not limited to human, mouse, rat, camelid or rabbit. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, an antigen binding molecule can include non-protein components.

[0100] Variants of the antigen binding molecules are also within the scope of the invention, e.g., variable light and/or variable heavy chains that each have at least 70-80%, 80-85%, 85-90%, 90-95%, 95-97%, 97-99%, or above 99% identity to the amino acid sequences of the sequences described herein. In some instances, such molecules include at least one heavy chain and one light chain, whereas in other instances the variant forms contain two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains (or subparts thereof). A skilled artisan will be able to determine suitable variants of the antigen binding molecules as set forth herein using well-known techniques. In certain embodiments, one skilled in the art can identify suitable areas of the molecule that may be changed without destroying activity by targeting regions not believed to be important for activity.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the polypeptide structure of the antigen binding molecules is based on antibodies, including, but not limited to, monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, minibodies, domain antibodies, synthetic antibodies (sometimes referred to herein as "antibody mimetics"), chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, antibody fusions (sometimes referred to herein as "antibody conjugates"), and fragments thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the antigen binding molecule comprises or consists of avimers.

[0102] In some embodiments, an antigen binding molecule to DLL3 is administered alone. In other embodiments, the antigen binding molecule to DLL3 is administered as part of a CAR, TCR, or other immune cell. In such immune cells, the antigen binding molecule to DLL3 can be under the control of the same promoter region, or a separate promoter. In certain embodiments, the genes encoding protein agents and/or an antigen binding molecule to DLL3 can be in separate vectors.

[0103] The invention further provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antigen binding molecule to DLL3 together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative and/or adjuvant. In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions will include more than one different antigen binding molecule to DLL3. In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions will include more than one antigen binding molecule to DLL3 wherein the antigen binding molecules to DLL3 bind more than one epitope. In some embodiments, the various antigen binding molecules will not compete with one another for binding to DLL3.

[0104] In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition can be selected for parenteral delivery, for inhalation, or for delivery through the digestive tract, such as orally. The preparation of such pharmaceutically acceptable compositions is within the ability of one skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, buffers are used to maintain the composition at physiological pH or at a slightly lower pH, typically within a pH range of from about 5 to about 8. In certain embodiments, when parenteral administration is contemplated, a therapeutic composition can be in the form of a pyrogen-free, parenterally acceptable aqueous solution comprising a desired antigen binding molecule to DLL3, with or without additional therapeutic agents, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. In certain embodiments, a vehicle for parenteral injection is sterile distilled water in which an antigen binding molecule to DLL3, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is formulated as a sterile, isotonic solution, properly preserved. In certain embodiments, the preparation can involve the formulation of the desired molecule with polymeric compounds (such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid), beads or liposomes that can provide for the controlled or sustained release of the product which can then be delivered via a depot injection. In certain embodiments, implantable drug delivery devices can be used to introduce the desired molecule.

[0105] In some embodiments, the antigen binding molecule is used as a diagnostic or validation tool. The antigen binding molecule can be used to assay the amount of DLL3 present in a sample and/or subject. In some embodiments, the diagnostic antigen binding molecule is not neutralizing. In some embodiments, the antigen binding molecules disclosed herein are used or provided in an assay kit and/or method for the detection of DLL3 in mammalian tissues or cells in order to screen/diagnose for a disease or disorder associated with changes in levels of DLL3. The kit can comprise an antigen binding molecule that binds DLL3, along with means for indicating the binding of the antigen binding molecule with DLL3, if present, and optionally DLL3 protein levels.

[0106] The antigen binding molecules will be further understood in view of the definitions and descriptions below.

[0107] An“Fc” region comprises two heavy chain fragments comprising the CH1 and CH2 domains of an antibody. The two heavy chain fragments are held together by two or more disulfide bonds and by hydrophobic interactions of the CH3 domains.

[0108] A“Fab fragment” comprises one light chain and the CH1 and variable regions of one heavy chain. The heavy chain of a Fab molecule cannot form a disulfide bond with another heavy chain molecule. A“Fab ¹ ” fragment” comprises one light chain and a portion of one heavy chain that contains the VH domain and the CH1 domain and also the region between the CH1 and CH2 domains, such that an interchain disulfide bond can be formed between the two heavy chains of two Fab' fragments to form an F(ab’)2 molecule. An“F(ab’)2 fragment” contains two light chains and two heavy chains containing a portion of the constant region between the CH1 and CH2 domains, such that an interchain disulfide bond is formed between the two heavy chains. An F(ab’)2 fragment thus is composed of two Fab’ fragments that are held together by a disulfide bond between the two heavy chains.

[0109] The“Fv region” comprises the variable regions from both the heavy and light chains, but lacks the constant regions. [0110] “Single chain variable fragment” (“scFv”, also termed“single-chain antibody”) refers to Fv molecules in which the heavy and light chain variable regions have been connected by a flexible linker to form a single polypeptide chain, which forms an antigen binding region. See PCT application WO88/01649 and U.S. Patent Nos. 4,946,778 and 5,260,203, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0111] A“bivalent antigen binding molecule” comprises two antigen binding sites. In some instances, the two binding sites have the same antigen specificities. Bivalent antigen binding molecules can be bispecific. A“multispecific antigen binding molecule” is one that targets more than one antigen or epitope. A“bispecific,”“dual-specific” or“bifunctional” antigen binding molecule is a hybrid antigen binding molecule or antibody, respectively, having two different antigen binding sites. The two binding sites of a bispecific antigen binding molecule will bind to two different epitopes, which can reside on the same or different protein targets.

[0112] An antigen binding molecule is said to“specifically bind” its target antigen when the dissociation constant (Kd) is ~lxl0 ⁷ M. The antigen binding molecule specifically binds antigen with“high affinity” when the K _d is l-5xl0 ⁹ M, and with“very high affinity” when the K _d is 1- 5x1 O ¹⁰ M. In one embodiment, the antigen binding molecule has a K _d of 10 ⁹ M. In one embodiment, the off-rate is <lxl0 ⁵ . In other embodiments, the antigen binding molecules will bind to human DLL3 with a K _d of between about 10 ⁷ M and 10 ¹³ M, and in yet another embodiment the antigen binding molecules will bind with a K _d 1.0-5x1 O ¹⁰ _.

[0113] An antigen binding molecule is said to be“selective” when it binds to one target more tightly than it binds to a second target.

[0114] The term“antibody” refers to an intact immunoglobulin of any isotype, or a fragment thereof that can compete with the intact antibody for specific binding to the target antigen, and includes, for instance, chimeric, humanized, fully human, and bispecific antibodies. An “antibody” is a species of an antigen binding molecule as defined herein. An intact antibody will generally comprise at least two full-length heavy chains and two full-length light chains, but in some instances can include fewer chains such as antibodies naturally occurring in camelids which can comprise only heavy chains. Antibodies can be derived solely from a single source, or can be chimeric, that is, different portions of the antibody can be derived from two different antibodies as described further below. The antigen binding molecules, antibodies, or binding fragments can be produced in hybridomas, by recombinant DNA techniques, or by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact antibodies. Unless otherwise indicated, the term“antibody” includes, in addition to antibodies comprising two full-length heavy chains and two full-length light chains, derivatives, variants, fragments, and muteins thereof, examples of which are described below. Furthermore, unless explicitly excluded, antibodies include monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, minibodies, domain antibodies, synthetic antibodies (sometimes referred to herein as“antibody mimetics”), chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, antibody fusions (sometimes referred to herein as“antibody conjugates”) and fragments thereof, respectively.

[0115] The variable regions typically exhibit the same general structure of relatively conserved framework regions (FR) joined by the 3 hypervariable regions (i.e.,“CDRs”). The CDRs from the two chains of each pair typically are aligned by the framework regions, which can enable binding to a specific epitope. From N-terminal to C-terminal, both light and heavy chain variable regions typically comprise the domains FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4. By convention, CDR regions in the heavy chain are typically referred to as HC CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3. The CDR regions in the light chain are typically referred to as LC CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3. The assignment of amino acids to each domain is typically in accordance with the definitions of Rabat (Seqs of Proteins of Immunological Interest (NIH, Bethesda, MD (1987 and 1991)), or Chothia (J. Mol. Biol., 196:901-917 (1987); Chothia et al. , Nature, 342:878-883 (1989)). Various methods of analysis can be employed to identify or approximate the CDR regions, including not only Rabat or Chothia, but also the AbM definition.

[0116] The term“light chain” includes a full-length light chain and fragments thereof having sufficient variable region sequence to confer binding specificity. A full-length light chain includes a variable region domain, VL, and a constant region domain, CL. The variable region domain of the light chain is at the amino-terminus of the polypeptide. Light chains include kappa chains and lambda chains.

[0117] The term“heavy chain” includes a full-length heavy chain and fragments thereof having sufficient variable region sequence to confer binding specificity. A full-length heavy chain includes a variable region domain, VH, and three constant region domains, CH1, CH2, and CH3. The VH domain is at the amino-terminus of the polypeptide, and the CH domains are at the carboxyl-terminus, with the CH3 being closest to the carboxy -terminus of the polypeptide. Heavy chains can be of any isotype, including IgG (including IgGl, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 subtypes), IgA (including IgAl and IgA2 subtypes), IgM and IgE.

[0118] The term“variable region” or“variable domain” refers to a portion of the light and/or heavy chains of an antibody, typically including approximately the amino-terminal 120 to 130 amino acids in the heavy chain and about 100 to 110 amino terminal amino acids in the light chain. The variable region of an antibody typically determines specificity of a particular antibody for its target.

[0119] Variability is not evenly distributed throughout the variable domains of antibodies; it is concentrated in sub-domains of each of the heavy and light chain variable regions. These subdomains are called“hypervariable regions” or "complementarity determining regions" (CDRs). The more conserved (i.e., non-hypervariable) portions of the variable domains are called the “framework” regions (FRM or FR) and provide a scaffold for the six CDRs in three dimensional space to form an antigen-binding surface. The variable domains of naturally occurring heavy and light chains each comprise four FRM regions (FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4), largely adopting a b- sheet configuration, connected by three hypervariable regions, which form loops connecting, and in some cases forming part of, the b -sheet structure. The hypervariable regions in each chain are held together in close proximity by the FRM and, with the hypervariable regions from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-binding site (see Rabat et al., loc. cit).

[0120] The terms“CDR”, and its plural“CDRs”, refer to the complementarity determining region of which three make up the binding character of a light chain variable region (CDR-L1, CDR-L2 and CDR-L3) and three make up the binding character of a heavy chain variable region (CDRH1, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3). CDRs contain most of the residues responsible for specific interactions of the antibody with the antigen and hence contribute to the functional activity of an antibody molecule: they are the main determinants of antigen specificity.

[0121] The exact definitional CDR boundaries and lengths are subject to different classification and numbering systems. CDRs may therefore be referred to by Rabat, Chothia, contact or any other boundary definitions, including the numbering system described herein. Despite differing boundaries, each of these systems has some degree of overlap in what constitutes the so called“hypervariable regions” within the variable sequences. CDR definitions according to these systems may therefore differ in length and boundary areas with respect to the adjacent framework region. See for example Kabat (an approach based on cross-species sequence variability), Chothia (an approach based on crystallographic studies of antigen-antibody complexes), and/or MacCallum (Kabat et al., loc. cit.; Chothia et al., J. Mol. Biol, 1987, 196: 901- 917; and MacCallum et al., J. Mol. Biol, 1996, 262: 732). Still another standard for characterizing the antigen binding site is the AbM definition used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software. See, e.g., Protein Sequence and Structure Analysis of Antibody Variable Domains. In: Antibody Engineering Lab Manual (Ed. : Duebel, S. and Kontermann, R., Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg). To the extent that two residue identification techniques define regions of overlapping, but not identical regions, they can be combined to define a hybrid CDR. However, the numbering in accordance with the so-called Kabat system is preferred.

[0122] Typically, CDRs form a loop structure that can be classified as a canonical structure. The term“canonical structure” refers to the main chain conformation that is adopted by the antigen binding (CDR) loops. From comparative structural studies, it has been found that five of the six antigen binding loops have only a limited repertoire of available conformations. Each canonical structure can be characterized by the torsion angles of the polypeptide backbone. Correspondent loops between antibodies may, therefore, have very similar three dimensional structures, despite high amino acid sequence variability in most parts of the loops (Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol., 1987, 196: 901; Chothia et al., Nature, 1989, 342: 877; Martin and Thornton, J. Mol. Biol, 1996, 263 : 800). Furthermore, there is a relationship between the adopted loop structure and the amino acid sequences surrounding it. The conformation of a particular canonical class is determined by the length of the loop and the amino acid residues residing at key positions within the loop, as well as within the conserved framework (i.e., outside of the loop). Assignment to a particular canonical class can therefore be made based on the presence of these key amino acid residues.

[0123] The term“canonical structure” may also include considerations as to the linear sequence of the antibody, for example, as catalogued by Kabat (Kabat et al., loc. cit.). The Kabat numbering scheme (system) is a widely adopted standard for numbering the amino acid residues of an antibody variable domain in a consistent manner and is the preferred scheme applied in the present invention as also mentioned elsewhere herein. Additional structural considerations can also be used to determine the canonical structure of an antibody. For example, those differences not fully reflected by Kabat numbering can be described by the numbering system of Chothia et al. and/or revealed by other techniques, for example, crystallography and two- or three-dimensional computational modeling. Accordingly, a given antibody sequence may be placed into a canonical class which allows for, among other things, identifying appropriate chassis sequences (e.g., based on a desire to include a variety of canonical structures in a library). Kabat numbering of antibody amino acid sequences and structural considerations as described by Chothia et al., loc. cit. and their implications for construing canonical aspects of antibody structure, are described in the literature. The subunit structures and three-dimensional configurations of different classes of immunoglobulins are well known in the art. For a review of the antibody structure, see Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, eds. Harlow et al., 1988.

[0124] The CDR3 of the light chain and, particularly, the CDR3 of the heavy chain may constitute the most important determinants in antigen binding within the light and heavy chain variable regions. In some antibody constructs, the heavy chain CDR3 appears to constitute the major area of contact between the antigen and the antibody. In vitro selection schemes in which CDR3 alone is varied can be used to vary the binding properties of an antibody or determine which residues contribute to the binding of an antigen. Hence, CDR3 is typically the greatest source of molecular diversity within the antibody -binding site. H3, for example, can be as short as two amino acid residues or greater than 26 amino acids.

[0125] The term“neutralizing” refers to an antigen binding molecule, scFv, or antibody, respectively, that binds to a ligand and prevents or reduces the biological effect of that ligand. This can be done, for example, by directly blocking a binding site on the ligand or by binding to the ligand and altering the ligand's ability to bind through indirect means (such as structural or energetic alterations in the ligand). In some embodiments, the term can also denote an antigen binding molecule that prevents the protein to which it is bound from performing a biological function. [0126] The term“target” or“antigen” refers to a molecule or a portion of a molecule capable of being bound by an antigen binding molecule. In certain embodiments, a target can have one or more epitopes.

[0127] The term“compete” when used in the context of antigen binding molecules that compete for the same epitope means competition between antigen binding molecules as determined by an assay in which the antigen binding molecule (e.g., antibody or immunologically functional fragment thereof) being tested prevents or inhibits (e.g., reduces) specific binding of a reference antigen binding molecule to an antigen. Numerous types of competitive binding assays can be used to determine if one antigen binding molecule competes with another, for example: solid phase direct or indirect radioimmunoassay (RIA), solid phase direct or indirect enzyme immunoassay (EIA), sandwich competition assay (Stahli et al ., 1983, Methods in Enzymology 9:242-253); solid phase direct biotin-avidin EIA (Kirkland et al., 1986, J. Immunol. 137:3614- 3619), solid phase direct labeled assay, solid phase direct labeled sandwich assay (Harlow and Lane, 1988, Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press); solid phase direct label RIA using 1-125 label (Morel et al., 1988, Molec. Immunol. 25:7-15); solid phase direct biotin- avidin EIA (Cheung, et al., 1990, Virology 176:546-552); and direct labeled RIA (Moldenhauer et al., 1990, Scand. J. Immunol. 32:77-82). The term“epitope” includes any determinant capable of being bound by an antigen binding molecule, such as an scFv, antibody, or immune cell of the invention. An epitope is a region of an antigen that is bound by an antigen binding molecule that targets that antigen, and when the antigen is a protein, includes specific amino acids that directly contact the antigen binding molecule.

[0128] As used herein, the terms“label” or“labeled” refers to incorporation of a detectable marker, e.g., by incorporation of a radiolabeled amino acid or attachment to a polypeptide of biotin moieties that can be detected by marked avidin (e.g., streptavidin containing a fluorescent marker or enzymatic activity that can be detected by optical or colorimetric methods). In certain embodiments, the label or marker can also be therapeutic. Various methods of labeling polypeptides and glycoproteins are known in the art and can be used.

[0129] In accordance with the invention, on-off or other types of control switch techniques may be incorporated herein. These techniques may employ the use of dimerization domains and optional activators of such domain dimerization. These techniques include, e.g, those described by Wu et al., Science 2014 350 (6258) utilizing FKBP/Rapalog dimerization systems in certain cells, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Additional dimerization technology is described in, e.g., Fegan et al. Chem. Rev. 2010, 110, 3315-3336 as well as U.S. Patent Nos. 5,830,462; 5,834,266; 5,869,337; and 6, 165,787, the contents of which are also incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Additional dimerization pairs may include cyclosporine-A/cyclophilin, receptor, estrogen/estrogen receptor (optionally using tamoxifen), glucocorticoids/glucocorticoid receptor, tetracycline/tetracycline receptor, vitamin D/vitamin D receptor. Further examples of dimerization technology can be found in e.g., WO 2014/127261, WO 2015/090229, US 2014/0286987, US 2015/0266973, US 2016/0046700, U.S. Patent No. 8,486,693, US 2014/0171649, and US 2012/0130076, the contents of which are further incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

METHODS OF TREATMENT

[0130] Using adoptive immunotherapy, native T cells can be (i) removed from a patient, (ii) genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that binds to at least one tumor antigen (iii) expanded ex vivo into a larger population of engineered T cells, and (iv) reintroduced into the patient. See e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 7,741,465, and 6,319,494, Eshhar et al. (Cancer Immunol, supra); Krause et al. (supra); Finney et al. (supra). After the engineered T cells are reintroduced into the patient, they mediate an immune response against cells expressing the tumor antigen. See e.g., Krause et al, J. Exp. Med., Volume 188, No. 4, 1998 (619-626). This immune response includes secretion of IL-2 and other cytokines by T cells, the clonal expansion of T cells recognizing the tumor antigen, and T cell-mediated specific killing of target-positive cells. See Hombach et al., Journal of Immun. 167: 6123-6131 (2001).

[0131] In some aspects, the invention therefore comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with undesired and/or elevated DLL3 levels in a patient, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of at least one isolated antigen binding molecule, CAR, or TCR disclosed herein. [0132] Methods are provided for treating diseases or disorders, including cancer. In some embodiments, the invention relates to creating a T cell-mediated immune response in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of the engineered immune cells of the present application to the subject. In some embodiments, the T cell-mediated immune response is directed against a target cell or cells. In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), or a T cell receptor (TCR). In some embodiments, the target cell is a tumor cell. In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a malignancy, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one isolated antigen binding molecule described herein. In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a malignancy, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one immune cell, wherein the immune cell comprises at least one chimeric antigen receptor, T cell receptor, and/or isolated antigen binding molecule as described herein.

[0133] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one antigen binding molecule as described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an additional active agent.

[0134] The antigen binding molecules, CARs, TCRs, immune cells, and the like of the invention can be used to treat myeloid diseases including but not limited to adrenal, liver, kidney, bladder, breast, gastric, ovarian, cervical, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, prostate (e.g., prostate adenocarcinoma), pancreatic, lung (both small cell and non- small cell), thyroid, carcinomas, sarcomas, glioblastomas, head and neck tumors, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), medullary thyroid cancer, glioblastoma, neuroendocrine prostate cancer, (NEPC), high-grade gastroenteropancreatic cancer (GEP) and malignant melanoma.

[0135] It will be appreciated that target doses for CAR ⁺ / CAR-T ⁺ / TCR ⁺ cells can range from lxlO ⁶ - 2xl0 ¹⁰ cells/kg, preferably 2xl0 ⁶ cells/kg, more preferably. It will be appreciated that doses above and below this range may be appropriate for certain subjects, and appropriate dose levels can be determined by the healthcare provider as needed. Additionally, multiple doses of cells can be provided in accordance with the invention. [0136] Also provided are methods for reducing the size of a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an engineered cell of the present invention to the subject, wherein the cell comprises a chimeric antigen receptor, a T cell receptor, or a T cell receptor based chimeric antigen receptor comprising an antigen binding molecule binds to an antigen on the tumor. In some embodiments, the subject has a solid tumor, or a blood malignancy such as lymphoma or leukemia. In some embodiments, the engineered cell is delivered to a tumor bed. In some embodiments, the cancer is present in the bone marrow of the subject.

[0137] In some embodiments, the engineered cells are autologous T cells. In some embodiments, the engineered cells are allogeneic T cells. In some embodiments, the engineered cells are heterologous T cells. In some embodiments, the engineered cells of the present application are transfected or transduced in vivo. In other embodiments, the engineered cells are transfected or transduced ex vivo.

[0138] The methods can further comprise administering one or more chemotherapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is a lymphodepleting (preconditioning) chemotherapeutic. Beneficial preconditioning treatment regimens, along with correlative beneficial biomarkers are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 62/262, 143 and 62/167,750 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. These describe, e.g., methods of conditioning a patient in need of a T cell therapy comprising administering to the patient specified beneficial doses of cyclophosphamide (between 200 mg/m ² /day and 2000 mg/m ² /day) and specified doses of fludarabine (between 20 mg/m ² /day and 900 mg/m ² /day). A preferred dose regimen involves treating a patient comprising administering daily to the patient about 500 mg/m ² /day of cyclophosphamide and about 60 mg/m ² /day of fludarabine for three days prior to administration of a therapeutically effective amount of engineered T cells to the patient.

[0139] In other embodiments, the antigen binding molecule, transduced (or otherwise engineered) cells (such as CARs or TCRs), and the chemotherapeutic agent are administered each in an amount effective to treat the disease or condition in the subject.

[0140] In certain embodiments, compositions comprising CAR-expressing immune effector cells disclosed herein may be administered in conjunction with any number of chemotherapeutic agents. Examples of chemotherapeutic agents include alkylating agents such as thiotepa and cyclophosphamide (CYTOXAN™); alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan, improsulfan and piposulfan; aziridines such as benzodopa, carboquone, meturedopa, and uredopa; ethylenimines and methylamelamines including altretamine, triethylenemelamine, trietylenephosphoramide, triethylenethiophosphaoramide and trimethylolomelamine resume; nitrogen mustards such as chlorambucil, chlornaphazine, cholophosphamide, estramustine, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine, mechlorethamine oxide hydrochloride, melphalan, novembichin, phenesterine, prednimustine, trofosfamide, uracil mustard; nitrosureas such as carmustine, chlorozotocin, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, ranimustine; antibiotics such as aclacinomysins, actinomycin, authramycin, azaserine, bleomycins, cactinomycin, calicheamicin, carabicin, carminomycin, carzinophilin, chromomycins, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, detorubicin, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, doxorubicin, epirubicin, esorubicin, idarubicin, marcellomycin, mitomycins, mycophenolic acid, nogalamycin, olivomycins, peplomycin, potfiromycin, puromycin, quelamycin, rodorubicin, streptonigrin, streptozocin, tubercidin, ubenimex, zinostatin, zorubicin; anti-metabolites such as methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); folic acid analogues such as denopterin, methotrexate, pteropterin, trimetrexate; purine analogs such as fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, thiamiprine, thioguanine; pyrimidine analogs such as ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, carmofur, cytarabine, dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine, enocitabine, floxuridine, 5-FU; androgens such as calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol, mepitiostane, testolactone; anti-adrenals such as aminoglutethimide, mitotane, trilostane; folic acid replenisher such as frolinic acid; aceglatone; aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid; amsacrine; bestrabucil; bisantrene; edatraxate; defofamine; demecolcine; diaziquone; elformithine; elliptinium acetate; etoglucid; gallium nitrate; hydroxyurea; lentinan; lonidamine; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidamol; nitracrine; pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; podophyllinic acid; 2-ethylhydrazide; procarbazine; PSK ^® ; razoxane; sizofiran; spirogermanium; tenuazonic acid; triaziquone; 2, 2', 2"- trichlorotriethylamine; urethan; vindesine; dacarbazine; mannomustine; mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman; gacytosine; arabinoside (“Ara-C”); cyclophosphamide; thiotepa; taxoids, e.g. paclitaxel (TAXOL™, Bristol-Myers Squibb) and doxetaxel (TAXOTERE ^® , Rhone-Poulenc Rorer); chlorambucil; gemcitabine; 6-thioguanine; mercaptopurine; methotrexate; platinum analogs such as cisplatin and carboplatin; vinblastine; platinum; etoposide (VP- 16); ifosfamide; mitomycin C; mitoxantrone; vincristine; vinorelbine; navelbine; novantrone; teniposide; daunomycin; aminopterin; xeloda; ibandronate; CPT-l l; topoisomerase inhibitor RFS2000; difluoromethylomithine (DMFO); retinoic acid derivatives such as Targretin™ (bexarotene), Panretin™, (alitretinoin); ONTAK™ (denileukin diftitox); esperamicins; capecitabine; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above. Also included in this definition are anti-hormonal agents that act to regulate or inhibit hormone action on tumors such as anti-estrogens including for example tamoxifen, raloxifene, aromatase inhibiting 4(5)- imidazoles, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, trioxifene, keoxifene, LY117018, onapristone, and toremifene (Fareston); and anti-androgens such as flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide, leuprolide, and goserelin; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above. Combinations of chemotherapeutic agents are also administered where appropriate, including, but not limited to CHOP, i.e., Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan ^® ), Doxorubicin (hydroxydoxorubicin), Vincristine (Oncovin ^® ), and Prednisone.

[0141] In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is administered at the same time or within one week after the administration of the engineered cell or nucleic acid. In other embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is administered from 1 to 4 weeks or from 1 week to 1 month, 1 week to 2 months, 1 week to 3 months, 1 week to 6 months, 1 week to 9 months, or 1 week to 12 months after the administration of the engineered cell or nucleic acid. In other embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is administered at least 1 month before administering the cell or nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise administering two or more chemotherapeutic agents.

[0142] A variety of additional therapeutic agents may be used in conjunction with the compositions described herein. For example, potentially useful additional therapeutic agents include PD-l inhibitors such as nivolumab (Opdivo ^® ), pembrolizumab (Keytruda ^® ), pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, and atezolizumab.

[0143] Additional therapeutic agents suitable for use in combination with the invention include, but are not limited to, ibrutinib (Imbruvica ^® ), ofatumumab (Arzerra ^® ), rituximab (Rituxan ^® ), bevacizumab (Avastin ^® ), trastuzumab (Herceptin ^® ), trastuzumab emtansine (KADCYLA ^® ), imatinib (Gleevec ^® ), cetuximab (Erbitux ^® ), panitumumab (Vectibix ^® ), catumaxomab, ibritumomab, ofatumumab, tositumomab, brentuximab, alemtuzumab, gemtuzumab, erlotinib, gefitinib, vandetanib, afatinib, lapatinib, neratinib, axitinib, masitinib, pazopanib, sunitinib, sorafenib, toceranib, lestaurtinib, axitinib, cediranib, lenvatinib, nintedanib, pazopanib, regorafenib, semaxanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, tivozanib, toceranib, vandetanib, entrectinib, cabozantinib, imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, ponatinib, radotinib, bosutinib, lestaurtinib, ruxolitinib, pacritinib, cobimetinib, selumetinib, trametinib, binimetinib, alectinib, ceritinib, crizotinib, aflibercept,adipotide, denileukin diftitox, mTOR inhibitors such as Everolimus and Temsirolimus, hedgehog inhibitors such as sonidegib and vismodegib, CDK inhibitors such as CDK inhibitor (palbociclib).

[0144] In additional embodiments, the composition comprising CAR-containing immune can be administered with an anti-inflammatory agent. Anti-inflammatory agents or drugs include, but are not limited to, steroids and glucocorticoids (including betamethasone, budesonide, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, anti-TNF medications, cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. Exemplary NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, naproxen sodium, Cox-2 inhibitors, and sialylates. Exemplary analgesics include acetaminophen, oxycodone, tramadol of proporxyphene hydrochloride. Exemplary glucocorticoids include cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, or prednisone. Exemplary biological response modifiers include molecules directed against cell surface markers (e.g., CD4, CD5, etc.), cytokine inhibitors, such as the TNF antagonists, (e.g., etanercept (ENBREL ^® ), adalimumab (EtUMIRA ^® ) and infliximab (REMICADE ^® ), chemokine inhibitors and adhesion molecule inhibitors. The biological response modifiers include monoclonal antibodies as well as recombinant forms of molecules. Exemplary DMARDs include azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, methotrexate, penicillamine, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, Gold (oral (auranofm) and intramuscular) and minocycline.

[0145] In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein are administered in conjunction with a cytokine. “Cytokine” as used herein is meant to refer to proteins released by one cell population that act on another cell as intercellular mediators. Examples of cytokines are 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 (HGF); fibroblast growth factor (FGF); prolactin; placental lactogen; mullerian-inhibiting substance; mouse gonadotropin- associated peptide; inhibin; activin; vascular endothelial growth factor; integrin; thrombopoietin (TPO); nerve growth factors (NGFs) such as NGF-beta; platelet-growth factor; transforming growth factors (TGFs) such as TGF-alpha and TGF-beta; insulin-like growth factor-I and -II; erythropoietin (EPO); osteoinductive factors; interferons such as interferon-alpha, beta, and - gamma; colony stimulating factors (CSFs) such as macrophage-CSF (M-CSF); granulocyte- macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF); and granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF); interleukins (ILs) such as IL-l, IL- lalpha, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-l 1, IL-12; IL-15, a tumor necrosis factor such as TNF-alpha or TNF-beta; and other polypeptide factors including LIF and kit ligand (KL). As used herein, the term cytokine includes proteins from natural sources or from recombinant cell culture, and biologically active equivalents of the native sequence cytokines.

[0146] In some aspects, the invention comprises an antigen binding molecule that binds to DLL3 with a K _d that is smaller than 100 pM. In some embodiments, the antigen binding molecule binds with a Kd that is smaller than 10 pM. In other embodiments, the antigen binding molecule binds with a Kd that is less than 5 pM.

METHODS OF MAKING

[0147] A variety of known techniques can be utilized in making the polynucleotides, polypeptides, vectors, antigen binding molecules, immune cells, compositions, and the like according to the invention.

[0148] Prior to the in vitro manipulation or genetic modification of the immune cells described herein, the cells may be obtained from a subject. In some embodiments, the immune cells comprise T cells. T cells can be obtained from a number of sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), bone marrow, lymph nodes tissue, cord blood, thymus tissue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, and tumors. In certain embodiments, T cells can be obtained from a unit of blood collected from the subject using any number of techniques known to the skilled person, such as FICOLL™ separation. Cells may preferably be obtained from the circulating blood of an individual 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. In certain embodiments, the cells collected by apheresis may be washed to remove the plasma fraction, and placed in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing. The cells may be washed with PBS. As will be appreciated, a washing step may be used, such as by using a semiautomated flowthrough centrifuge— for example, the Cobe™ 2991 cell processor, the Baxter CytoMate™, or the like. After washing, the cells may be resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers, or other saline solution with or without buffer. In certain embodiments, the undesired components of the apheresis sample may be removed.

[0149] In certain embodiments, T cells are isolated from PBMCs by lysing the red blood cells and depleting the monocytes, for example, using centrifugation through a PERCOLL™ gradient. A specific subpopulation of T cells, such as CD28 ⁺ , CD4 ⁺ , CD8 ⁺ , CD45RA ⁺ , and CD45RO ⁺ T cells can be further isolated by positive or negative selection techniques known in the art. For example, enrichment of a T cell population by negative selection can be accomplished with a combination of antibodies directed to surface markers unique to the negatively selected cells. One method for use herein is cell sorting and/or selection via negative magnetic immunoadherence or flow cytometry that uses a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed to cell surface markers present on the cells negatively selected. For example, to enrich for CD4 ⁺ cells by negative selection, a monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies to CD14, CD20, CDl lb, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8. Flow cytometry and cell sorting may also be used to isolate cell populations of interest for use in the present invention.

[0150] PBMCs may be used directly for genetic modification with the immune cells (such as CARs or TCRs) using methods as described herein. In certain embodiments, after isolating the PBMCs, T lymphocytes can be further isolated and both cytotoxic and helper T lymphocytes can be sorted into naive, memory, and effector T cell subpopulations either before or after genetic modification and/or expansion.

[0151] In some embodiments, CD8 ⁺ cells are further sorted into naive, central memory, and effector cells by identifying cell surface antigens that are associated with each of these types of CD8 ⁺ cells. In some embodiments, the expression of phenotypic markers of central memory T cells include CD45RO, CD62L, CCR7, CD28, CD3, and CD 127 and are negative for granzyme B. In some embodiments, central memory T cells are CD45RO ⁺ , CD62L ⁺ , CD8 ⁺ T cells. In some embodiments, effector T cells are negative for CD62L, CCR7, CD28, and CD127, and positive for granzyme B and perforin. In certain embodiments, CD4 ⁺ T cells are further sorted into subpopulations. For example, CD4 ⁺ T helper cells can be sorted into naive, central memory, and effector cells by identifying cell populations that have cell surface antigens.

[0152] The immune cells, such as T cells, can be genetically modified following isolation using known methods, or the immune cells can be activated and expanded (or differentiated in the case of progenitors) in vitro prior to being genetically modified. In another embodiment, the immune cells, such as T cells, are genetically modified with the chimeric antigen receptors described herein (e.g., transduced with a viral vector comprising one or more nucleotide sequences encoding a CAR) and then are activated and/or expanded in vitro. Methods for activating and expanding T cells are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 6,905,874; U.S. Patent No. 6,867,041; U.S. Patent No. 6,797,514; and PCT WO2012/079000, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Generally, such methods include contacting PBMC or isolated T cells with a stimulatory agent and costimulatory agent, such as anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, generally attached to a bead or other surface, in a culture medium with appropriate cytokines, such as IL-2. Anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies attached to the same bead serve as a“surrogate” antigen presenting cell (APC). One example is The Dynabeads ^® system, a CD3/CD28 activator/stimulator system for physiological activation of human T cells.

[0153] In other embodiments, the T cells may be activated and stimulated to proliferate with feeder cells and appropriate antibodies and cytokines using methods such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,040,177; U.S. Patent No. 5,827,642; and WO2012129514, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0154] Certain methods for making the constructs and engineered immune cells of the invention are described in PCT application PCT/US 15/14520, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Additional methods of making the constructs and cells can be found in U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/244036 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0155] It will be appreciated that PBMCs can further include other cytotoxic lymphocytes such as NK cells or NKT cells. An expression vector carrying the coding sequence of a chimeric receptor as disclosed herein can be introduced into a population of human donor T cells, NK cells or NKT cells. Successfully transduced T cells that carry the expression vector can be sorted using flow cytometry to isolate CD3 positive T cells and then further propagated to increase the number of these CAR expressing T cells in addition to cell activation using anti-CD3 antibodies and IL-2 or other methods known in the art as described elsewhere herein. Standard procedures are used for cryopreservation of T cells expressing the CAR for storage and/or preparation for use in a human subject. In one embodiment, the in vitro transduction, culture and/or expansion of T cells are performed in the absence of non-human animal derived products such as fetal calf serum and fetal bovine serum.

[0156] For cloning of polynucleotides, the vector may be introduced into a host cell (an isolated host cell) to allow replication of the vector itself and thereby amplify the copies of the polynucleotide contained therein. The cloning vectors may contain sequence components generally include, without limitation, an origin of replication, promoter sequences, transcription initiation sequences, enhancer sequences, and selectable markers. These elements may be selected as appropriate by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the origin of replication may be selected to promote autonomous replication of the vector in the host cell.

[0157] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides isolated host cells containing the vector provided herein. The host cells containing the vector may be useful in expression or cloning of the polynucleotide contained in the vector. Suitable host cells can include, without limitation, prokaryotic cells, fungal cells, yeast cells, or higher eukaryotic cells such as mammalian cells. Suitable prokaryotic cells for this purpose include, without limitation, eubacteria, such as Gram-negative or Gram-positive organisms, for example, Enter obactehaceae such as Escherichia, e.g., E. coli, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella, e.g., Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia, e.g., Serratia marcescans, and Shigella, as well as Bacilli such as B. subtilis and B. licheniformis, Pseudomonas such as P. aeruginosa, and Streptomyces. [0158] The vector can be introduced to the host cell using any suitable methods known in the art, including, without limitation, DEAE-dextran mediated delivery, calcium phosphate precipitate method, cationic lipids mediated delivery, liposome mediated transfection, electroporation, microprojectile bombardment, receptor-mediated gene delivery, delivery mediated by polylysine, histone, chitosan, and peptides. Standard methods for transfection and transformation of cells for expression of a vector of interest are well known in the art. In a further embodiment, a mixture of different expression vectors can be used in genetically modifying a donor population of immune effector cells wherein each vector encodes a different CAR as disclosed herein. The resulting transduced immune effector cells form a mixed population of engineered cells, with a proportion of the engineered cells expressing more than one different CARs.

[0159] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of storing genetically engineered cells expressing CARs or TCRs which target a DLL3 protein. This involves cryopreserving the immune cells such that the cells remain viable upon thawing. A fraction of the immune cells expressing the CARs can be cryopreserved by methods known in the art to provide a permanent source of such cells for the future treatment of patients afflicted with a malignancy. When needed, the cryopreserved transformed immune cells can be thawed, grown and expanded for more such cells.

[0160] As used herein,“cryopreserve” refers to the preservation of cells by cooling to sub zero temperatures, such as (typically) 77 Kelvin or -l96°C (the boiling point of liquid nitrogen). Cryoprotective agents are often used at sub-zero temperatures to prevent the cells being preserved from damage due to freezing at low temperatures or warming to room temperature. Cryopreservative agents and optimal cooling rates can protect against cell injury. Cryoprotective agents which can be used in accordance with the invention include but are not limited to: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (Lovelock & Bishop, Nature (1959); 183 : 1394-1395; Ashwood- Smith, Nature (1961); 190: 1204-1205), glycerol, polyvinylpyrrolidine (Rinfret, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. (1960); 85: 576), and polyethylene glycol (Sloviter & Ravdin, Nature (1962); 196: 48). The preferred cooling rate is 1° - 3°C/minute.

[0161] The term,“substantially pure,” is used to indicate that a given component is present at a high level. The component is desirably the predominant component present in a composition. Preferably it is present at a level of more than 30%, of more than 50%, of more than 75%, of more than 90%, or even of more than 95%, said level being determined on a dry weight/dry weight basis with respect to the total composition under consideration. At very high levels (e.g. at levels of more than 90%, of more than 95% or of more than 99%) the component can be regarded as being in“pure form.” Biologically active substances of the present invention (including polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, antigen binding molecules, moieties) can be provided in a form that is substantially free of one or more contaminants with which the substance might otherwise be associated. When a composition is substantially free of a given contaminant, the contaminant will be at a low level (e.g., at a level of less than 10%, less than 5%, or less than 1% on the dry weight/dry weight basis set out above).

[0162] In some embodiments, the cells are formulated by first harvesting them from their culture medium, and then washing and concentrating the cells in a medium and container system suitable for administration (a“pharmaceutically acceptable” carrier) in a treatment-effective amount. Suitable infusion media can be any isotonic medium formulation, typically normal saline, Normosol™ R (Abbott) or Plasma-Lyte™ A (Baxter), but also 5% dextrose in water or Ringer's lactate can be utilized. The infusion medium can be supplemented with human serum albumin.

[0163] Desired treatment amounts of cells in the composition is generally at least 2 cells (for example, at least 1 CD8 ⁺ central memory T cell and at least 1 CD4 ⁺ helper T cell subset) or is more typically greater than 10 ² cells, and up to 10 ⁶ , up to and including 10 ⁸ or 10 ⁹ cells and can be more than 10 ¹⁰ cells. The number of cells will depend upon the desired use for which the composition is intended, and the type of cells included therein. The density of the desired cells is typically greater than 10 ⁶ cells/ml and generally is greater than 10 ⁷ cells/ml, generally 10 ⁸ cells/ml or greater. The clinically relevant number of immune cells can be apportioned into multiple infusions that cumulatively equal or exceed 10 ⁵ , 10 ⁶ , 10 ⁷ , 10 ⁸ , 10 ⁹ , 10 ¹⁰ , 10 ¹¹ , or 10 ¹² cells. In some aspects of the present invention, particularly since all the infused cells will be redirected to a particular target antigen (DLL3), lower numbers of cells, in the range of l0 ⁶ /kilogram (10 ⁶ - 10 ¹¹ per patient) may be administered. CAR treatments may be administered multiple times at dosages within these ranges. The cells may be autologous, allogeneic, or heterologous to the patient undergoing therapy. [0164] The CAR expressing cell populations of the present invention may be administered either alone, or as a pharmaceutical composition in combination with diluents and/or with other components such as IL-2 or other cytokines or cell populations. Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may comprise a CAR or TCR expressing cell population, such as T cells, as described herein, in combination with one or more pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients. Such compositions may comprise buffers such as neutral buffered saline, phosphate buffered saline and the like; carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, sucrose or dextrans, mannitol; proteins; polypeptides or amino acids such as glycine; antioxidants; chelating agents such as EDTA or glutathione; adjuvants (e.g., aluminum hydroxide); and preservatives. Compositions of the present invention are preferably formulated for intravenous administration.

[0165] The pharmaceutical compositions (solutions, suspensions or the like), may include one or more of the following: sterile diluents such as water for injection, saline solution, preferably physiological saline, Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride, fixed oils such as synthetic mono- or diglycerides which may serve as the solvent or suspending medium, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, propylene glycol or other solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl paraben; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic. An injectable pharmaceutical composition is preferably sterile.

[0166] It will be appreciated that adverse events may be minimized by transducing the immune cells (containing one or more CARs or TCRs) with a suicide gene. It may also be desired to incorporate an inducible“on” or“accelerator” switch into the immune cells. Suitable techniques include use of inducible caspase-9 (U.S. Appl. 2011/0286980) or a thymidine kinase, before, after or at the same time, as the cells are transduced with the CAR construct of the present invention. Additional methods for introducing suicide genes and/or“on” switches include TALENS, zinc fingers, RNAi, siRNA, shRNA, antisense technology, and other techniques known in the art. [0167] It will be understood that descriptions herein are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0168] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose. As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0169] In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise.

Furthermore, the use of the term“including”, as well as other forms, such as“includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as“element” or“component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0170] The term “DLL3 activity” includes any biological effect of DLL3. In certain embodiments, DLL3 activity includes the ability of DLL3 to interact or bind to a substrate or receptor.

[0171] The term “polynucleotide”, “nucleotide”, or“nucleic acid” includes both single- stranded and double-stranded nucleotide polymers. The nucleotides comprising the polynucleotide can be ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides or a modified form of either type of nucleotide. Said modifications include base modifications such as bromouridine and inosine derivatives, ribose modifications such as 2',3'-dideoxyribose, and internucleotide linkage modifications such as phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, phosphoroselenoate, phosphoro- diselenoate, phosphoro-anilothioate, phoshoraniladate and phosphoroamidate.

[0172] The term “oligonucleotide” refers to a polynucleotide comprising 200 or fewer nucleotides. Oligonucleotides can be single stranded or double stranded, e.g., for use in the construction of a mutant gene. Oligonucleotides can be sense or antisense oligonucleotides. An oligonucleotide can include a label, including a radiolabel, a fluorescent label, a hapten or an antigenic label, for detection assays. Oligonucleotides can be used, for example, as PCR primers, cloning primers or hybridization probes.

[0173] The term“control sequence” refers to a polynucleotide sequence that can affect the expression and processing of coding sequences to which it is ligated. The nature of such control sequences can depend upon the host organism. In particular embodiments, control sequences for prokaryotes can include a promoter, a ribosomal binding site, and a transcription termination sequence. For example, control sequences for eukaryotes can include promoters comprising one or a plurality of recognition sites for transcription factors, transcription enhancer sequences, and transcription termination sequence.“Control sequences” can include leader sequences (signal peptides) and/or fusion partner sequences.

[0174] As used herein,“operably linked” means that the components to which the term is applied are in a relationship that allows them to carry out their inherent functions under suitable conditions.

[0175] The term “vector” means any molecule or entity (e.g., nucleic acid, plasmid, bacteriophage or virus) used to transfer protein coding information into a host cell. The term “expression vector” or“expression construct” refers to a vector that is suitable for transformation of a host cell and contains nucleic acid sequences that direct and/or control (in conjunction with the host cell) expression of one or more heterologous coding regions operatively linked thereto. An expression construct can include, but is not limited to, sequences that affect or control transcription, translation, and, if introns are present, affect RNA splicing of a coding region operably linked thereto.

[0176] The term“host cell” refers to a cell that has been transformed, or is capable of being transformed, with a nucleic acid sequence and thereby expresses a gene of interest. The term includes the progeny of the parent cell, whether or not the progeny is identical in morphology or in genetic make-up to the original parent cell, so long as the gene of interest is present.

[0177] The term“transformation” refers to a change in a cell's genetic characteristics, and a cell has been transformed when it has been modified to contain new DNA or RNA. For example, a cell is transformed where it is genetically modified from its native state by introducing new genetic material via transfection, transduction, or other techniques. Following transfection or transduction, the transforming DNA can recombine with that of the cell by physically integrating into a chromosome of the cell, or can be maintained transiently as an episomal element without being replicated, or can replicate independently as a plasmid. A cell is considered to have been “stably transformed” when the transforming DNA is replicated with the division of the cell.

[0178] The term“transfection” refers to the uptake of foreign or exogenous DNA by a cell. A number of transfection techniques are well known in the art and are disclosed herein. See, e.g ., Graham et al., 1973, Virology 52:456; Sambrook et al., 2001, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, supra; Davis et al., 1986, Basic Methods in Molecular Biology, Elsevier; Chu el al., 1981, Gene 13: 197.

[0179] The term“transduction” refers to the process whereby foreign DNA is introduced into a cell via viral vector. See Jones et al., (1998). Genetics: principles and analysis. Boston: Jones & Bartlett Publ.

[0180] The terms“polypeptide” or“protein” refer to a macromolecule having the amino acid sequence of a protein, including deletions from, additions to, and/or substitutions of one or more amino acids of the native sequence. The terms “polypeptide” and “protein” specifically encompass DLL3 antigen binding molecules, antibodies, or sequences that have deletions from, additions to, and/or substitutions of one or more amino acid of antigen-binding protein. The term “polypeptide fragment” refers to a polypeptide that has an amino-terminal deletion, a carboxyl- terminal deletion, and/or an internal deletion as compared with the full-length native protein. Such fragments can also contain modified amino acids as compared with the native protein. Useful polypeptide fragments include immunologically functional fragments of antigen binding molecules. Useful fragments include but are not limited to one or more CDR regions, variable domains of a heavy and/or light chain, a portion of other portions of an antibody chain, and the like.

[0181] The term“isolated” means (i) free of at least some other proteins with which it would normally be found, (ii) is essentially free of other proteins from the same source, e.g., from the same species, (iii) separated from at least about 50 percent of polynucleotides, lipids, carbohydrates, or other materials with which it is associated in nature, (iv) operably associated (by covalent or noncovalent interaction) with a polypeptide with which it is not associated in nature, or (v) does not occur in nature.

[0182] A“variant” of a polypeptide ( e.g ., an antigen binding molecule, or an antibody) comprises an amino acid sequence wherein one or more amino acid residues are inserted into, deleted from and/or substituted into the amino acid sequence relative to another polypeptide sequence. Variants include fusion proteins.

[0183] The term“identity” refers to a relationship between the sequences of two or more polypeptide molecules or two or more nucleic acid molecules, as determined by aligning and comparing the sequences.“Percent identity” means the percent of identical residues between the amino acids or nucleotides in the compared molecules and is calculated based on the size of the smallest of the molecules being compared. For these calculations, gaps in alignments (if any) are preferably addressed by a particular mathematical model or computer program (i.e., an “algorithm”).

[0184] To calculate percent identity, the sequences being compared are typically aligned in a way that gives the largest match between the sequences. One example of a computer program that can be used to determine percent identity is the GCG program package, which includes GAP (Devereux et al, 1984, Nucl. Acid Res. 12:387; Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.). The computer algorithm GAP is used to align the two polypeptides or polynucleotides for which the percent sequence identity is to be determined. The sequences are aligned for optimal matching of their respective amino acid or nucleotide (the“matched span”, as determined by the algorithm). In certain embodiments, a standard comparison matrix (see, Dayhoff et al, 1978, Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure 5:345-352 for the PAM 250 comparison matrix; Henikoff et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89: 10915-10919 for the BLOSUM 62 comparison matrix) is also used by the algorithm.

[0185] As used herein, the twenty conventional (e.g., naturally occurring) amino acids and their abbreviations follow conventional usage. See Immunology - A Synthesis (2nd Edition, Golub and Gren, Eds., Sinauer Assoc., Sunderland, Mass. (1991)), which is incorporated herein by reference for any purpose. Stereoisomers (e.g., D-amino acids) of the twenty conventional amino acids, unnatural amino acids such as alpha-, alpha-disubstituted amino acids, N-alkyl amino acids, lactic acid, and other unconventional amino acids can also be suitable components for polypeptides of the present invention. Examples of unconventional amino acids include: 4-hydroxyproline, .gamma.-carboxyglutamate, epsilon-N,N,N-trimethyllysine, e-N-acetyllysine, O-phosphoserine, N-acetylserine, N-formylmethionine, 3-methylhistidine, 5-hydroxylysine, .sigma.-N- methylarginine, and other similar amino acids and imino acids (e.g., 4-hydroxyproline). In the polypeptide notation used herein, the left-hand direction is the amino terminal direction and the right-hand direction is the carboxy-terminal direction, in accordance with standard usage and convention.

[0186] Conservative amino acid substitutions can encompass non-naturally occurring amino acid residues, which are typically incorporated by chemical peptide synthesis rather than by synthesis in biological systems. These include peptidomimetics and other reversed or inverted forms of amino acid moieties. Naturally occurring residues can be divided into classes based on common side chain properties: a) hydrophobic: norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile;

b) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln;

c) acidic: Asp, Glu;

d) basic: His, Lys, Arg;

e) residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and

f) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe.

[0187] For example, non-conservative substitutions can involve the exchange of a member of one of these classes for a member from another class. Such substituted residues can be introduced, for example, into regions of a human antibody that are homologous with non-human antibodies, or into the non-homologous regions of the molecule.

[0188] In making changes to the antigen binding molecule, the costimulatory or activating domains of the engineered T cell, according to certain embodiments, the hydropathic index of amino acids can be considered. Each amino acid has been assigned a hydropathic index on the basis of its hydrophobicity and charge characteristics. They are: isoleucine (+4.5); valine (+4.2); leucine (+3.8); phenylalanine (+2.8); cysteine/cystine (+2.5); methionine (+1.9); alanine (+1.8); glycine (-0.4); threonine (-0.7); serine (-0.8); tryptophan (-0.9); tyrosine (-1.3); proline (-1.6); histidine (-3.2); glutamate (-3.5); glutamine (-3.5); aspartate (-3.5); asparagine (-3.5); lysine (-3.9); and arginine (-4.5). See Kyte et al., J. Mol. Biol., 157: 105-131 (1982). It is known that certain amino acids can be substituted for other amino acids having a similar hydropathic index or score and still retain a similar biological activity. It is also understood in the art that the substitution of like amino acids can be made effectively on the basis of hydrophilicity, particularly where the biologically functional protein or peptide thereby created is intended for use in immunological embodiments, as in the present case. Exemplary amino acid substitutions are set forth in Table 2.

Table 2

Original Residues Exemplary Substitutions Preferred Substitutions

[0189] The term“derivative” refers to a molecule that includes a chemical modification other than an insertion, deletion, or substitution of amino acids (or nucleic acids). In certain embodiments, derivatives comprise covalent modifications, including, but not limited to, chemical bonding with polymers, lipids, or other organic or inorganic moieties. In certain embodiments, a chemically modified antigen binding molecule can have a greater circulating half-life than an antigen binding molecule that is not chemically modified. In some embodiments, a derivative antigen binding molecule is covalently modified to include one or more water soluble polymer attachments, including, but not limited to, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycol, or polypropylene glycol.

[0190] Peptide analogs are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as non-peptide drugs with properties analogous to those of the template peptide. These types of non-peptide compound are termed“peptide mimetics” or“peptidomimetics.” Fauchere, T, Adv. Drug Res., 15:29 (1986); Veber & Freidinger, TINS, p.392 (1985); and Evans et al., J. Med. Chem., 30: 1229 (1987), which are incorporated herein by reference for any purpose.

[0191] The term“therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount of a DLL3 antigen binding molecule determined to produce a therapeutic response in a mammal. Such therapeutically effective amounts are readily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0192] The terms“patient” and“subject” are used interchangeably and include human and non-human animal subjects as well as those with formally diagnosed disorders, those without formally recognized disorders, those receiving medical attention, those at risk of developing the disorders, etc.

[0193] The term “treat” and “treatment” includes therapeutic treatments, prophylactic treatments, and applications in which one reduces the risk that a subject will develop a disorder or other risk factor. Treatment does not require the complete curing of a disorder and encompasses embodiments in which one reduces symptoms or underlying risk factors. The term“prevent” does not require the 100% elimination of the possibility of an event. Rather, it denotes that the likelihood of the occurrence of the event has been reduced in the presence of the compound or method.

[0194] Standard techniques can be used for recombinant DNA, oligonucleotide synthesis, and tissue culture and transformation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection). Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques can be performed according to manufacturer's specifications or as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The foregoing techniques and procedures can be generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification. See, e.g., Sambrook et al ., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989)), which is incorporated herein by reference for any purpose.

[0195] The following sequences will further exemplify the invention.

[0196] CD28T DNA Extracellular transmembrane intracellular

CTTGAT AAT GAAAAGT C AAACGGAAC AAT C ATT C ACGT GAAGGGC AAGC

ACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTGGGTGT

TGGTCGTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGG

CTTTTATAATCTTCTGGGTTAGATCCAAAAGAAGCCGCCTGCTCCATAGCG

ATTACATGAATATGACTCCACGCCGCCCTGGCCCCACAAGGAAACACTAC

CAGCCTTACGCACCACCTAGAGATTTCGCTGCCTATCGGAGC (SEP ID

NP: D

[0197] CD28T Extracellular transmembrane intracellular AA:

LDNEKSNGTI IHVKGKHLCP SPLFPGPSKP FWVLVVVGGV LACYSLLVTV AFIIFWVRSK RSRLLHSDYM NMTPRRPGPT RKHYQPYAPP RDFAAYRS

(SEP ID NO:21

CD28T DNA - Extracellular [0198] CTTGAT AAT GAAAAGT C AAACGGAAC AAT C ATT C ACGT GAAGGGC AAGC ACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCA (SEP ID NO:31

[0199] CD28T AA - Extracellular

LDNEKSNGTI IHVKGKHLCP SPLFPGPSKP (SEP ID NQ:4)

[0200] CD28 DNA Transmembrane Domain

TTCTGGGTGTTGGTCGTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTC GTCACCGTGGCTTTTATAATCTTCTGGGTT (SEP ID NO: 51

[0201] CD28 AA Transmembrane Domain:

FWVLVVVGGV LAC YSLLVTV AFIIFWV (SEP ID NO: 61

[0202] CD28 DNA Intracellular Domain:

AGATCCAAAAGAAGCCGCCTGCTCCATAGCGATTACATGAATATGACTCC ACGCCGCCCTGGCCCCACAAGGAAACACTACCAGCCTTACGCACCACCTA GAGATTTCGCTGCCTATCGGAGC (SEP ID NO: 71

[0203] CD28 AA Intracellular Domain

RSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYOPYAPPRDFAAYRS (SEP ID NO: 81

[0204] CD3 zeta DNA

AGGGT GA AGTTTTC C AGATCTGC AGAT GC AC C AGC GT ATC AGC AGGGC C A GAACC AACTGT AT AACGAGCTC AACCTGGGACGC AGGGAAGAGT AT GAC GTTTTGGACAAGCGCAGAGGACGGGACCCTGAGATGGGTGGCAAACCAA GAC GA A A A A ACC CC C AGGAGGGT C TC T AT AAT GAGCTGC AGA AGGAT A A GAT GGCTGAAGCCT ATTCTGAAAT AGGC AT GAAAGGAGAGCGGAGA AGG GGAAAAGGGCACGACGGTTTGTACCAGGGACTCAGCACTGCTACGAAGG ATACTTATGACGCTCTCCACATGCAAGCCCTGCCACCTAGG (SEP ID NO: 91

[0205] CD3 zeta AA RVKF SRS ADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPR RKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDT YDALHMQALPPR (SEP ID NO: 101

[0206] CD28 DNA

ATTGAGGTGATGTATCCACCGCCTTACCTGGATAACGAAAAGAGTAACGG TACCATCATTCACGTGAAAGGTAAACACCTGTGTCCTTCTCCCCTCTTCCC CGGGCCATCAAAGCCC (SEP ID NO: 111

[0207] CD28 AA

IEVMYPPPYL DNEKSNGTII HVKGKHLCP S PLFPGPSKP (SEP ID NO: 121

[0208] CD8 DNA extracellular & transmembrane domain

GCTGCAGCATTGAGCAACTCAATAATGTATTTTAGTCACTTTGTACCAGTG TTCTTGCCGGCTAAGCCTACTACCACACCCGCTCCACGGCCACCTACCCCA GCTCCTACCATCGCTTCACAGCCTCTGTCCCTGCGCCCAGAGGCTTGCCGA CCGGCCGCAGGGGGCGCTGTTCATACCAGAGGACTGGATTTCGCCTGCGA TATCTATATCTGGGCACCCCTGGCCGGAACCTGCGGCGTACTCCTGCTGTC CCTGGTCATCACGCTCTATTGTAATCACAGGAAC (SEP ID NO: 131

[0209] CD 8 AA extracellular & transmembrane Domain

AAALSNSIMYFSHFVPVFLPAKPTTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASPPLSLRPEACRPAAG GAVHTRGLDF ACPI YIW APL AGTCGVLLL SL VITL Y CNHRN (SEP ID NO: 14)

[0210] 4-1BB DNA intracellular domain

CGCTTTTCCGTCGTTAAGCGGGGGAGAAAAAAGCTGCTGTACATTTTCAA ACAGCCGTTTATGAGGCCGGTCCAAACGACTCAGGAAGAGGACGGCTGC TCCTGCCGCTTTCCTGAGGAGGAGGAGGGCGGGTGCGAACTG (SEP ID NO: l51

[0211] 4-1BB AA intracellular Domain

RF S VVKRGRKKLL YIFKPPFMRP V PTT PEEDGC SCRFPEEEEGGCEL (SEP ID NO: 161 [0212] Clone 1H2.1 HC DNA

CAGGTGCAACTGCAGGAAAGCGGGCCCGGTCTGGTGAAGCCCTCAGAAA

CGCTCTCCCTCACCTGTACAGTCTCTGGCGATTCAATCTCTTCATATTACT

GGACGTGGATCAGGCAGCCTCCCGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGATCGGATA

TATCTACTATAGTGGCACCACTAACTATAATCCTTCCCTGAAAAGCCGGGT

GACAATCTCTGTTGACACCTCCAAGAGCCAGTTCAGCCTGAAACTCTCCA

GTGTGACAGCCGCCGATACAGCCGTGTATTACTGTGCCTCTATCGCTGTGC

GCGGGTTCTTTTTTGATTATTGGGGCCAGGGGACACTGGTGACCGTTAGC

AGC (SEP ID N0:4Q1

[0213] Clone 1H2.1 HC AA - CDRs Underlined

O V OLOESGPGL VKP SETL SLTCT VSGD SIS S YYWTWIROPPGKGLEWIGYI YY SGTTNYNPSLKSRVTISVDTSKSOFSLKLSSVTAADTAVYYCASIAVRGFFFD YWGQGTLVTVSS (SEO ID NOAll

[0214] Clone 1H2.1 HC AA CDR1 : SYYWT (SEP ID NO:42)

[0215] Clone 1H2.1 HC AA CDR2: YIYYSGTTNYNPSLKS fSEO ID NO:43 )

[0216] Clone 1H2.1 HC AA CDR3 : IAVRGFFFDY (SEP ID NQ:44)

[0217] Clone 1H2.1 LC DNA

GAAATTGTACTGACCCAGTCCCCCGGCACGCTCTCTCTCTCCCCAGGGGA

AAGGGCAACCCTTAGCTGCCGGGCGAGCCAGAGCGTGAGTTCCTCCTACC

TCGCGTGGTATCAGCAGAAGCCTGGACAGGCTCCCAGACTGCTGATTTAC

GGGGCTTCTACGAGAGCCACCGGCATACCTGATAGGTTCTCTGGCTCCGG

GTCTGGGACCGACTTTACTCTTACAATCAGCAGACTTGAGCCTGAAGACT

TCGCTGTGTATTATTGTCAACAATACGGAACGTCCCCCCTTACCTTTGGTG

GCGGGAC AAAAGT GGAA ATT AAGAGG (SEP ID NO:451

[0218] Clone 1H2.1 LC AA (CDRs ETnderlined) EIVLTOSPGTLSLSPGERATLSCRASOSVSSSYLAWYOOKPGOAPRLLIYGAST RATGIPDRF SGSGSGTDFTLTISRLEPEDF AVYY COPY GTSPLTF GGGTKVEIK

R (SEP ID NO:461

[0219] Clone 1H2.1 LC CDR1 AA: RASQSVSSSYLA (SEQ ID NO:47)

[0220] Clone 1H2.1 LC CDR2 AA: GASTRAT (SEQ ID NO:48)

[0221] Clone 1H2.1 LC CDR3 AA: QQYGTSPLT (SEQ ID NO:49)

[0222] Clone 8D2 HC DNA

C AGGTCC AGCTGGT GC AGTCTGGGGC AGAGGT GAAACGGCCGGGTGC AAGCGT GAA

GGTGTCCTGCAAAGCCTCTGGCTATACCTTTACTGGGTACTATATGCACTGGGTTCG

GC AGGCGCC AGGAC AGGGTCTTGAGT GGATGGGTT GGATTGATCC AAACTCTGGCG

ATACAAATTACGCACAGAAATTCCAGGGCCGCGTGACGATGACTCGAGACACTTCC

ATATCCACCGCCTATATGGAAGTGAATAGACTCCGGTCTGACGACACTGCTGTCTAT

TACTGTGCAAGGGATCCCAACCGGCGGAGTTGGTATTACGGAATGGATGTCTGGGC

CCAGGGTACTACCGTCACGGTGTCTTCT (SEQ ID NO:50)

[0223] Clone 8D2 HC AA (CDRs underlined)

OVOLVOSGAEVKRPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMHWVROAPGOGLEWMGWIDPNSG DTNYAOKFOGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMEVNRLRSDDTAVYYCARDPNRRSWYYGMDVW AQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 51)

[0224] Clone 8D2 HC AA CDR1 : GYYMH (SEQ ID NO:52)

[0225] Clone 8D2 HC AA CDR2: WIDPNSGDTNYAQKFQG (SEQ ID NO:53)

[0226] Clone 8D2 HC AA CDR3 : DPNRRSWYYGMDV (SEQ ID NO: 54)

[0227] Clone 8D2 LC DNA

C AGGTCC AGCTGGT GC AGTCTGGGGC AGAGGT GAAACGGCCGGGTGC AAGCGT GAA GGTGTCCTGCAAAGCCTCTGGCTATACCTTTACTGGGTACTATATGCACTGGGTTCG GC AGGCGCC AGGAC AGGGTCTTGAGT GGATGGGTT GGATTGATCC AAACTCTGGCG

ATACAAATTACGCACAGAAATTCCAGGGCCGCGTGACGATGACTCGAGACACTTCC

ATATCCACCGCCTATATGGAAGTGAATAGACTCCGGTCTGACGACACTGCTGTCTAT

TACTGTGCAAGGGATCCCAACCGGCGGAGTTGGTATTACGGAATGGATGTCTGGGC

CCAGGGTACTACCGTCACGGTGTCTTCTGGCGGCGGGGGCTCAGGAGGAGGAGGCA

GCGGTGGAGGAGGCAGCGATATTCAGATGACACAAAGCCCTTCTAGTCTCTCCGCA

AGCGTTGGCGACCGCGTGACCATTACGTGTCAGGCTTCACAAGATATTCGAAACTAC

CTGAACTGGTATCAGCAGAAGCCCGGCAAAGCACCTAAGCTGCTGATTTATGACGCT

AGCAACCTTGAGACTGGCGTCCCCTCCAGATTTTCCGGCAGCGGCTCAGGCACCGAC

TTTACTTTTACCATCTCCACACTCCAGCCAGAAGATATTGCAACGTATTACTGCCAA C

ATTATGATAACCTGCCTTTGACCTTCGGAGGTGGCACCAAGGTAGAGATCAGAAGA

(SEQ ID NO:55)

[0228] Clone 8D2 LC AA (CDRs underlined!

DIOMT O SPS SL S AS VGDRVTITCO ASODIRNYLNW Y OOKPGK APKLLIYD ASNLETGVPS RF SGSGSGTDFTFTISTLOPEDIAT YY COHYDNLPLTF GGGTKVEIRR (SEQ ID NO:56)

[0229] Clone 8D2 LC AA CDR1 : QASQDIRNYLN (SEQ ID NO:57)

[0230] Clone 8D2 LC AA CDR2: DASNLET (SEQ ID NO : 58)

[0231] Clone 8D2 LHC AA CDR3 : QHYDNLPLTF (SEQ ID NO:59)

[0232] Clone 6B2 HC DNA

C A AGT GC AGTT GGT GC AGTCTGGAGCTGA AGT GA AG A A AC C AGGC GCT AGC GTC A A

AGTGAGCTGTAAGGCCTCAGGTTACACGTTTACTGGGTACTATATGCATTGGGTCAG

GCAAGCCCCTGGCCAGGGCCTCGAGTGGATGGGCTGGATTAATCCTAACAGCGGGG

AC AC AAGCT AT GCCC AACGCTTCCTGGGC AGAGT AAC AAT GAC ACGGGAT AC AAGT

ATTAACACCGTCCATATGGAACTCTCTCGGCTCGGCTCAGATGATACCGCGGTTTAT

TACTGTGCTAGGGAGGACGACTCCTCTTGGTATGGCAGCTTCGATTATTGGGGGCAG

GGAACCCTGGTGACAGTCTCATCT (SEQ ID NO: 60)

[0233] Clone 6B2 HC AA (CDRs underlined! OVOLVOSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMHWVROAPGOGLEWMGWINPNSG DT S Y AORFLGRVTMTRDT SINT VHMELSRLGSDDT AVYY C AREDD S S W Y GSFD YW GO GTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO:6l)

[0234] Clone 6B2 HC AA CDR1 : GYYMH (SEQ ID NO: 62)

[0235] Clone 6B2 HC AA CDR2: WINPNSGDTSYAQRFLG (SEQ ID NO:63)

[0236] Clone 6B2 HC AA CDR3 : EDDSSWYGSFDY (SEQ ID NO:64)

[0237] Clone 6B2 LC DNA

GATATACAGATGACTCAGAGTCCCTCAAGCTTGAGTGCCAGTGTAGGCGACCGGGT GACGAT AACCTGT AGGGCTTC AC AGGGAATC AGA AATT ATCTGGGTTGGT ACC AGC AGAAGCCAGGAAAGGCACCTAAAAGACTTATTTACGCCGCATCCTCCTTGCAGTCC GGCGTGCCATCAAAATTTTCTGGGAGCGGCTCTGGAACCGAGTTCACCCTCACGATC TCCAGCCTCCAGCCCGAGGACTTTGCCACCTACTATTGCCTGCAGCACGATAGTGAT CTGCGAACTTTTGGGCAAGGCACTAAAGTGGAAATTAAGAGA (SEQ ID NO: 65)

[0238] Clone 6B2 LC AA (CDRs underlined!

DIOMTOSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASOGIRNYLGWYOOKPGKAPKRLIYAASSLOSGVPS KF S GS GS GTEF TLTI S SLOPEDF AT Y Y CLOHD SDLRTF GOGTK VEIKR (SEQ ID NO: 66)

[0239] Clone 6B2 LC AA CDR1 : RASQGIRNYLG (SEQ ID NO:67)

[0240] Clone 6B2 LC AA CDR2: AASSLQS (SEQ ID NO:68)

[0241] Clone 6B2 LC AA CDR3 : LQHD SDLRTF (SEQ ID NO:69)

[0242] Constmct 1H2.1 4-1BB DNA (signal sequence in bold)

ATGGCACTCCCCGTAACTGCTCTGCTGCTGCCGTTGGCATTGCTCCTGCACGCC

GCACGCCCGCAGGTGCAACTGCAGGAAAGCGGGCCCGGTCTGGTGAAGCCCTCAG

AAACGCTCTCCCTCACCTGTACAGTCTCTGGCGATTCAATCTCTTCATATTACTGGA C

GTGGATCAGGCAGCCTCCCGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGATCGGATATATCTACTATA

GTGGCACCACTAACTATAATCCTTCCCTGAAAAGCCGGGTGACAATCTCTGTTGACA CCTCCAAGAGCCAGTTCAGCCTGAAACTCTCCAGTGTGACAGCCGCCGATACAGCC

GTGTATTACTGTGCCTCTATCGCTGTGCGCGGGTTCTTTTTTGATTATTGGGGCCAG G

GGACACTGGTGACCGTTAGCAGCGGGGGAGGAGGGTCCGGTGGCGGCGGCAGCGG

AGGCGGGGGTTCAGAAATTGTACTGACCCAGTCCCCCGGCACGCTCTCTCTCTCCCC

AGGGGAAAGGGCAACCCTTAGCTGCCGGGCGAGCCAGAGCGTGAGTTCCTCCTACC

TCGCGTGGTATCAGCAGAAGCCTGGACAGGCTCCCAGACTGCTGATTTACGGGGCTT

CTACGAGAGCCACCGGCATACCTGATAGGTTCTCTGGCTCCGGGTCTGGGACCGACT

TTACTCTTACAATCAGCAGACTTGAGCCTGAAGACTTCGCTGTGTATTATTGTCAAC

AATACGGAACGTCCCCCCTTACCTTTGGTGGCGGGACAAAAGTGGAAATTAAGAGG

GCCGCTGCCCTTGATAATGAAAAGTCAAACGGAACAATCATTCACGTGAAGGGCAA

GCACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTGGGTGTTGGT C

GTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGGCTTTTATAATC T

TCTGGGTTCGCTTTTCCGTCGTTAAGCGGGGGAGAAAAAAGCTGCTGTACATTTTCA

AACAGCCGTTTATGAGGCCGGTCCAAACGACTCAGGAAGAAGACGGCTGCTCCTGC

CGCTTTCCTGAGGAGGAGGAGGGCGGGTGCGAACTGAGGGTGAAGTTTTCCAGATC

TGCAGATGCACCAGCGTATCAGCAGGGCCAGAACCAACTGTATAACGAGCTCAACC

TGGGACGCAGGGAAGAGTATGACGTTTTGGACAAGCGCAGAGGACGGGACCCTGAG

ATGGGTGGCAAACCAAGACGAAAAAACCCCCAGGAGGGTCTCTATAATGAGCTGCA

GA AGGAT A AGAT GGC T GA AGC CT ATTCTGA A AT AGGC AT GA A AGGAGAGCGGAGA

AGGGGA A A AGGGC AC GACGGTTT GT AC C AGGGAC T C AGC AC T GCT ACGA AGGAT AC

TTATGACGCTCTCCACATGCAAGCCCTGCCACCTAGGTAA (SEQ ID NO: 17)

[0243] Construct 1H2.1 4-1BB AA (signal sequence in bold: CDRs underlined)

MALP VTALLLPL ALLLHAARPQ VQLQESGPGL VKP SETL SLTCT V SGD SIS S YYWTWI RQPPGKGLEWIGYIYYSGTTNYNPSLKSRVTISVDTSKSQFSLKLSSVTAADTAVYYCAS I A VRGFFFD YW GQGTL VT V S S GGGGS GGGGS GGGGSEI VLT Q SPGTL SL SPGER ATL S CR AS Q S VS S S YL AW Y Q QKPGQ APRLLI Y GAS TR AT GIPDRF S GS GS GTDF TLTI SRLEPEDF A VYYCQQYGTSPLTFGGGTKVEIKRAAALDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCPSPLFPGPSKPFWV L VVVGGVL AC YSLL VT VAFIIFWVRF S VVKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRP VQTTQEEDGC SC RFPEEEEGGCELRVKF SRS AD AP AY QQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYD VLDKRRGRDPEMG GKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAY SEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLY QGLSTATKDTYD A LHMQALPPR (SEQ ID NO: 18)

[0244] Constmct 1H2.1 CD28T DNA (signal sequence in bold)

ATGGCACTCCCCGTAACTGCTCTGCTGCTGCCGTTGGCATTGCTCCTGCACGCC

GCACGCCCGCAGGTGCAACTGCAGGAAAGCGGGCCCGGTCTGGTGAAGCCCTCAG

AAACGCTCTCCCTCACCTGTACAGTCTCTGGCGATTCAATCTCTTCATATTACTGGA C

GTGGATCAGGCAGCCTCCCGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGATCGGATATATCTACTATA

GTGGCACCACTAACTATAATCCTTCCCTGAAAAGCCGGGTGACAATCTCTGTTGACA

CCTCCAAGAGCCAGTTCAGCCTGAAACTCTCCAGTGTGACAGCCGCCGATACAGCC

GTGTATTACTGTGCCTCTATCGCTGTGCGCGGGTTCTTTTTTGATTATTGGGGCCAG G

GGACACTGGTGACCGTTAGCAGCGGGGGAGGAGGGTCCGGTGGCGGCGGCAGCGG

AGGCGGGGGTTCAGAAATTGTACTGACCCAGTCCCCCGGCACGCTCTCTCTCTCCCC

AGGGGAAAGGGCAACCCTTAGCTGCCGGGCGAGCCAGAGCGTGAGTTCCTCCTACC

TCGCGTGGTATCAGCAGAAGCCTGGACAGGCTCCCAGACTGCTGATTTACGGGGCTT

CTACGAGAGCCACCGGCATACCTGATAGGTTCTCTGGCTCCGGGTCTGGGACCGACT

TTACTCTTACAATCAGCAGACTTGAGCCTGAAGACTTCGCTGTGTATTATTGTCAAC

AATACGGAACGTCCCCCCTTACCTTTGGTGGCGGGACAAAAGTGGAAATTAAGAGG

GCCGCTGCCCTTGATAATGAAAAGTCAAACGGAACAATCATTCACGTGAAGGGCAA

GCACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTGGGTGTTGGT C

GTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGGCTTTTATAATC T

TCTGGGTTAGATCCAAAAGAAGCCGCCTGCTCCATAGCGATTACATGAATATGACTC

CACGCCGCCCTGGCCCCACAAGGAAACACTACCAGCCTTACGCACCACCTAGAGAT

TTCGCTGCCTATCGGAGCCGAGTGAAATTTTCTAGATCAGCTGATGCTCCCGCCTAT

C AGC AGGGAC AGAATC AACTTT AC AATGAGCTGAACCTGGGTCGC AGAGAAGAGT A

CGACGTTTTGGACAAACGCCGGGGCCGAGATCCTGAGATGGGGGGGAAGCCGAGAA

GGAAGAATCCTCAAGAAGGCCTGTACAACGAGCTTCAAAAAGACAAAATGGCTGAG

GCGT ACTCTGAGATCGGC ATGAAGGGCGAGCGGAGACGAGGC A AGGGT C AC GAT G

GCTTGTATCAGGGCCTGAGTACAGCCACAAAGGACACCTATGACGCCCTCCACATG

CAGGCACTGCCCCCACGCTAG (SEQ ID NO: 19) [0245] Construct 1H2.1 CD28T AA (signal sequence in bold; CDRs underlined)

MALP VTALLLPL ALLLHAARPQ VQLQESGPGL VKP SETL SLTCT V SGD SIS S YYWTWI RQPPGKGLEWIGYIYYSGTTNYNPSLKSRVTISVDTSKSQFSLKLSSVTAADTAVYYCAS I A VRGFFFD YW GQGTL VT V S S GGGGS GGGGS GGGGSEI VLT Q SPGTL SL SPGER ATL S CR AS Q S VS S S YL AW Y Q QKPGQ APRLLI Y GAS TR AT GIPDRF S GS GS GTDF TLTI SRLEPEDF A VYYCQQYGTSPLTFGGGTKVEIKRAAALDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCPSPLFPGPSKPFWV L VVVGGVLAC Y SLL VT VAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSD YMNMTPRRPGPTRKHY QP Y APPRD FAAYRSRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRR KNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQ ALPPR (SEQ ID NO:20)

[0246] Construct 8D2 4-1BB DNA (signal sequence in bold)

ATGGCACTCCCCGTAACTGCTCTGCTGCTGCCGTTGGCATTGCTCCTGCACGCC

GCACGCCCGCAGGTCCAGCTGGTGCAGTCTGGGGCAGAGGTGAAACGGCCGGGTG

CAAGCGTGAAGGTGTCCTGCAAAGCCTCTGGCTATACCTTTACTGGGTACTATATGC

ACTGGGTTCGGC AGGCGCC AGGAC AGGGTCTT GAGT GGATGGGTT GGATT GATCC A

AACTCTGGCGATACAAATTACGCACAGAAATTCCAGGGCCGCGTGACGATGACTCG

AGACACTTCCATATCCACCGCCTATATGGAAGTGAATAGACTCCGGTCTGACGACAC

TGCTGTCTATTACTGTGCAAGGGATCCCAACCGGCGGAGTTGGTATTACGGAATGGA

TGTCTGGGCCCAGGGTACTACCGTCACGGTGTCTTCTGGCGGCGGGGGCTCAGGAGG

AGGAGGCAGCGGTGGAGGAGGCAGCGATATTCAGATGACACAAAGCCCTTCTAGTC

TCTCCGCAAGCGTTGGCGACCGCGTGACCATTACGTGTCAGGCTTCACAAGATATTC

GAAACTACCTGAACTGGTATCAGCAGAAGCCCGGCAAAGCACCTAAGCTGCTGATT

TATGACGCTAGCAACCTTGAGACTGGCGTCCCCTCCAGATTTTCCGGCAGCGGCTCA

GGCACCGACTTTACTTTTACCATCTCCACACTCCAGCCAGAAGATATTGCAACGTAT

TACTGCCAACATTATGATAACCTGCCTTTGACCTTCGGAGGTGGCACCAAGGTAGAG

ATCAGAAGAGCCGCTGCCCTTGATAATGAAAAGTCAAACGGAACAATCATTCACGT

GAAGGGCAAGCACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTG

GGTGTTGGTCGTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGGC T

TTTATAATCTTCTGGGTTCGCTTTTCCGTCGTTAAGCGGGGGAGAAAAAAGCTGCTG TACATTTTCAAACAGCCGTTTATGAGGCCGGTCCAAACGACTCAGGAAGAAGACGG CTGCTCCTGCCGCTTTCCTGAGGAGGAGGAGGGCGGGTGCGAACTGAGGGTGAAGT TTTCCAGATCTGCAGATGCACCAGCGTATCAGCAGGGCCAGAACCAACTGTATAAC GAGCTCAACCTGGGACGCAGGGAAGAGTATGACGTTTTGGACAAGCGCAGAGGACG GGACCCTGAGATGGGTGGCAAACCAAGACGAAAAAACCCCCAGGAGGGTCTCTATA AT G AGC T GC AG A AGG AT A AG AT GGC T G A AGC C T AT TC T G A A AT AGGC AT G A A AGG A G AGC GG AG A AGGGG A A A AGGGC AC G AC GGTT T GT AC C AGGG AC T C AGC AC T GC T AC GAAGGATACTTATGACGCTCTCCACATGCAAGCCCTGCCACCTAGGTAA (SEQ ID NO:2l)

[0247] Construct 8D2 4-1BB AA (signal sequence in bold)

MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVQSGAEVKRPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGWIDPNSGDTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMEVNRLRSDDTA V Y Y C ARDPNRRS W Y Y GMD VW AQGTT VT V S S GGGGS GGGGS GGGGSDIQMT Q SP S SL S ASVGDRVTITCQASQDIRNYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYDASNLETGVPSRFSGSGSGTDF TFTISTLQPEDIATYYCQHYDNLPLTFGGGTKVEIRRAAALDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCP S PLFPGP SKPF WVL VVV GGVL AC Y SLL VT VAFIIF WVRF S VVKRGRKKLL YIFKQPFMRP V QTTQEEDGC SCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKF SRS ADAP AYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVL DKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGL YNELQKDKM AEAY SEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGL Y Q GLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR (SEQ ID NO:22)

[0248] Construct 8D2 CD28T DNA (signal sequence in bold)

ATGGCACTCCCCGTAACTGCTCTGCTGCTGCCGTTGGCATTGCTCCTGCACGCC

GCACGCCCGCAGGTCCAGCTGGTGCAGTCTGGGGCAGAGGTGAAACGGCCGGGTG

CAAGCGTGAAGGTGTCCTGCAAAGCCTCTGGCTATACCTTTACTGGGTACTATATGC

ACTGGGTTCGGC AGGCGCC AGGAC AGGGTCTT GAGT GGATGGGTT GGATT GATCC A

AACTCTGGCGATACAAATTACGCACAGAAATTCCAGGGCCGCGTGACGATGACTCG

AGACACTTCCATATCCACCGCCTATATGGAAGTGAATAGACTCCGGTCTGACGACAC

TGCTGTCTATTACTGTGCAAGGGATCCCAACCGGCGGAGTTGGTATTACGGAATGGA

TGTCTGGGCCCAGGGTACTACCGTCACGGTGTCTTCTGGCGGCGGGGGCTCAGGAGG

AGGAGGCAGCGGTGGAGGAGGCAGCGATATTCAGATGACACAAAGCCCTTCTAGTC TCTCCGCAAGCGTTGGCGACCGCGTGACCATTACGTGTCAGGCTTCACAAGATATTC

GAAACTACCTGAACTGGTATCAGCAGAAGCCCGGCAAAGCACCTAAGCTGCTGATT

TATGACGCTAGCAACCTTGAGACTGGCGTCCCCTCCAGATTTTCCGGCAGCGGCTCA

GGCACCGACTTTACTTTTACCATCTCCACACTCCAGCCAGAAGATATTGCAACGTAT

TACTGCCAACATTATGATAACCTGCCTTTGACCTTCGGAGGTGGCACCAAGGTAGAG

ATCAGAAGAGCCGCTGCCCTTGATAATGAAAAGTCAAACGGAACAATCATTCACGT

GAAGGGCAAGCACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTG

GGTGTTGGTCGTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGGC T

TTTATAATCTTCTGGGTTAGATCCAAAAGAAGCCGCCTGCTCCATAGCGATTACATG

AATATGACTCCACGCCGCCCTGGCCCCACAAGGAAACACTACCAGCCTTACGCACC

ACCTAGAGATTTCGCTGCCTATCGGAGCCGAGTGAAATTTTCTAGATCAGCTGATGC

TCCCGCCTATCAGCAGGGACAGAATCAACTTTACAATGAGCTGAACCTGGGTCGCA

GAGAAGAGTACGACGTTTTGGACAAACGCCGGGGCCGAGATCCTGAGATGGGGGGG

AAGCCGAGAAGGAAGAATCCTCAAGAAGGCCTGTACAACGAGCTTCAAAAAGACA

A A AT GGC T GAGGC GT ACTCTGAG AT C GGC AT GA AGGGC GAGC GGAGAC GAGGC A A

GGGTCACGATGGCTTGTATCAGGGCCTGAGTACAGCCACAAAGGACACCTATGACG

CCCTCCACATGCAGGCACTGCCCCCACGCTAG (SEQ ID NO:23)

[0249] Construct 8D2 CD28T AA (signal sequence in bold)

MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVQSGAEVKRPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGWIDPNSGDTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMEVNRLRSDDTA V Y Y C ARDPNRRS W Y Y GMD VW AQGTT VT V S S GGGGS GGGGS GGGGSDIQMT Q SP S SL S ASVGDRVTITCQASQDIRNYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYDASNLETGVPSRFSGSGSGTDF TFTISTLQPEDIATYYCQHYDNLPLTFGGGTKVEIRRAAALDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCP S PLFPGPSKPFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPT RKHY QP YAPPRDF AAYRSRVKF SRS AD AP AY QQGQNQL YNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRR GRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTA TKDTYDALHMQALPPR (SEQ ID NO:24)

[0250] Construct 6B2 CD28T DNA (signal sequence in bold) ATGGCACTCCCCGTAACTGCTCTGCTGCTGCCGTTGGCATTGCTCCTGCACGCC

GCACGCCCGCAAGTGCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGAGCTGAAGTGAAGAAACCAGGCG

CTAGCGTCAAAGTGAGCTGTAAGGCCTCAGGTTACACGTTTACTGGGTACTATATGC

ATTGGGTCAGGCAAGCCCCTGGCCAGGGCCTCGAGTGGATGGGCTGGATTAATCCT

AACAGCGGGGACACAAGCTATGCCCAACGCTTCCTGGGCAGAGTAACAATGACACG

GGATACAAGTATTAACACCGTCCATATGGAACTCTCTCGGCTCGGCTCAGATGATAC

CGCGGTTTATTACTGTGCTAGGGAGGACGACTCCTCTTGGTATGGCAGCTTCGATTA

TTGGGGGCAGGGAACCCTGGTGACAGTCTCATCTGGTGGAGGGGGCTCCGGGGGTG

GGGGC AGCGGAGGGGGAGGTTCTGAT AT AC AG AT GACTC AGAGTCCCTC AAGCTT G

AGTGCCAGTGTAGGCGACCGGGTGACGATAACCTGTAGGGCTTCACAGGGAATCAG

AAATTATCTGGGTTGGTACCAGCAGAAGCCAGGAAAGGCACCTAAAAGACTTATTT

ACGCCGCATCCTCCTTGCAGTCCGGCGTGCCATCAAAATTTTCTGGGAGCGGCTCTG

GAACCGAGTTCACCCTCACGATCTCCAGCCTCCAGCCCGAGGACTTTGCCACCTACT

ATTGCCTGCAGCACGATAGTGATCTGCGAACTTTTGGGCAAGGCACTAAAGTGGAA

ATTAAGAGAGCCGCTGCCCTTGATAATGAAAAGTCAAACGGAACAATCATTCACGT

GAAGGGCAAGCACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTG

GGTGTTGGTCGTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGGC T

TTTATAATCTTCTGGGTTAGATCCAAAAGAAGCCGCCTGCTCCATAGCGATTACATG

AATATGACTCCACGCCGCCCTGGCCCCACAAGGAAACACTACCAGCCTTACGCACC

ACCTAGAGATTTCGCTGCCTATCGGAGCCGAGTGAAATTTTCTAGATCAGCTGATGC

TCCCGCCTATCAGCAGGGACAGAATCAACTTTACAATGAGCTGAACCTGGGTCGCA

GAGAAGAGTACGACGTTTTGGACAAACGCCGGGGCCGAGATCCTGAGATGGGGGGG

AAGCCGAGAAGGAAGAATCCTCAAGAAGGCCTGTACAACGAGCTTCAAAAAGACA

A A AT GGC T GAGGC GT ACTCTGAG AT C GGC AT GA AGGGC GAGC GGAGAC GAGGC A A

GGGTCACGATGGCTTGTATCAGGGCCTGAGTACAGCCACAAAGGACACCTATGACG

CCCTCCACATGCAGGCACTGCCCCCACGCTAG (SEQ ID NO:25)

[0251] Construct 6B2 CD28T AA (signal sequence in bold)

MALP VT ALLLPL ALLLH A ARPQ V QL V Q S GAEVKKPG AS VK V S CK AS GYTF T GYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPNSGDTSYAQRFLGRVTMTRDTSINTVHMELSRLGSDDTA V Y Y C AREDD S S W Y GSFD YWGQGTL VT V S S GGGGS GGGGS GGGGSDIQMT QSPSSLSAS VGDRVTITCRASQGIRNYLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYAASSLQSGVPSKFSGSGSGTEFTLT ISSLQPEDFATYYCLQHDSDLRTFGQGTKVEIKRAAALDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCPSPL FPGPSKPFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRK HY QP Y APPRDF AA YRSRVKF SRS AD AP AY QQGQNQL YNELNLGRREE YD VLDKRRGR DPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATK DTYDALHMQALPPR (SEQ ID NO:26)

[0252] Constmct 6B2 4-1BB DNA (signal sequence in bold)

ATGGCACTCCCCGTAACTGCTCTGCTGCTGCCGTTGGCATTGCTCCTGCACGCC

GCACGCCCGCAAGTGCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGAGCTGAAGTGAAGAAACCAGGCG

CTAGCGTCAAAGTGAGCTGTAAGGCCTCAGGTTACACGTTTACTGGGTACTATATGC

ATTGGGTCAGGCAAGCCCCTGGCCAGGGCCTCGAGTGGATGGGCTGGATTAATCCT

AACAGCGGGGACACAAGCTATGCCCAACGCTTCCTGGGCAGAGTAACAATGACACG

GGATACAAGTATTAACACCGTCCATATGGAACTCTCTCGGCTCGGCTCAGATGATAC

CGCGGTTTATTACTGTGCTAGGGAGGACGACTCCTCTTGGTATGGCAGCTTCGATTA

TTGGGGGCAGGGAACCCTGGTGACAGTCTCATCTGGTGGAGGGGGCTCCGGGGGTG

GGGGC AGCGGAGGGGGAGGTTCTGAT AT AC AG AT GACTC AGAGTCCCTC AAGCTT G

AGTGCCAGTGTAGGCGACCGGGTGACGATAACCTGTAGGGCTTCACAGGGAATCAG

AAATTATCTGGGTTGGTACCAGCAGAAGCCAGGAAAGGCACCTAAAAGACTTATTT

ACGCCGCATCCTCCTTGCAGTCCGGCGTGCCATCAAAATTTTCTGGGAGCGGCTCTG

GAACCGAGTTCACCCTCACGATCTCCAGCCTCCAGCCCGAGGACTTTGCCACCTACT

ATTGCCTGCAGCACGATAGTGATCTGCGAACTTTTGGGCAAGGCACTAAAGTGGAA

ATTAAGAGAGCCGCTGCCCTTGATAATGAAAAGTCAAACGGAACAATCATTCACGT

GAAGGGCAAGCACCTCTGTCCGTCACCCTTGTTCCCTGGTCCATCCAAGCCATTCTG

GGTGTTGGTCGTAGTGGGTGGAGTCCTCGCTTGTTACTCTCTGCTCGTCACCGTGGC T

TTTATAATCTTCTGGGTTCGCTTTTCCGTCGTTAAGCGGGGGAGAAAAAAGCTGCTG

TACATTTTCAAACAGCCGTTTATGAGGCCGGTCCAAACGACTCAGGAAGAAGACGG

CTGCTCCTGCCGCTTTCCTGAGGAGGAGGAGGGCGGGTGCGAACTGAGGGTGAAGT

TTTCCAGATCTGCAGATGCACCAGCGTATCAGCAGGGCCAGAACCAACTGTATAAC

GAGCTCAACCTGGGACGCAGGGAAGAGTATGACGTTTTGGACAAGCGCAGAGGACG

GGACCCTGAGATGGGTGGCAAACCAAGACGAAAAAACCCCCAGGAGGGTCTCTATA AT G AGC T GC AG A AGG AT A AG AT GGC T G A AGC C T AT TC T G A A AT AGGC AT G A A AGG A G AGC GG AG A AGGGG A A A AGGGC AC G AC GGTT T GT AC C AGGG AC T C AGC AC T GC T AC GAAGGATACTTATGACGCTCTCCACATGCAAGCCCTGCCACCTAGGTAA (SEQ ID NO:27)

[0253] Construct 6B2 4-1BB AA (signal sequence in bold)

MALP VT ALLLPL ALLLH A ARPQ V QL V Q S GAEVKKPG AS VK V S CK AS GYTF T GYYMH WVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPNSGDTSYAQRFLGRVTMTRDTSINTVHMELSRLGSDDTA V Y Y C AREDD S S W Y GSFD YWGQGTL VT V S S GGGGS GGGGS GGGGSDIQMT QSPSSLSAS VGDRVTITCRASQGIRNYLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYAASSLQSGVPSKFSGSGSGTEFTLT ISSLQPEDFATYYCLQHDSDLRTFGQGTKVEIKRAAALDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCPSPL FPGPSKPFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRFSVVKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQ TTQEEDGC SCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKF SRS AD AP AYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREE YD VLD KRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGL YNELQKDKMAE AY SEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGL Y QG L ST ATKDT YD ALHMQ ALPPR (SEQ ID NO:28)

[0254] Human DLL3 isoform 1 NM 016941 AA (618 amino acids)

[0255] MVSPRMSGLLSQTVILALIFLPQTRPAGVFELQIHSFGPGPGPGAPRSPCSARL PCRLFFRVCLKPGLSEEAAESPCALGAALSARGPVYTEQPGAPAPDLPLPDGLLQVPFRD AWPGTF SFIIETWREELGDQIGGP AWSLLARVAGRRRL AAGGPWARDIQRAGAWELRF S YRARCEPP AV GT ACTRLCRPRS AP SRCGPGLRPC APLEDECE APL V CRAGC SPEHGF CEQ PGECRCLEGWTGPLCTVPVSTSSCLSPRGPSSATTGCLVPGPGPCDGNPCANGGSCSETP RSFECTCPRGFYGLRCEVSGVTCADGPCFNGGLCVGGADPDSAYICHCPPGFQGSNCEK RVDRCSLQPCRNGGLCLDLGHALRCRCRAGFAGPRCEHDLDDCAGRACANGGTCVEG GGAHRC SC ALGF GGRDCRERADPC AARPC AHGGRC Y AHF SGL V C AC APGYMGARCEF PVHPDGASALPAAPPGLRPGDPQRYLLPPALGLLVAAGVAGAALLLVHVRRRGHSQDA GSRLL AGTPEP S VHALPD ALNNLRT QEGSGDGP S S S VDWNRPED VDPQGIYVIS AP SIY A REVATPLFPPLHTGRAGQRQHLLFP YPS SILS VK (SEQ ID NO:29)

[0256] Human DLL3 isoform 2 NM_203486 AA (587 amino acids)

[0257] MVSPRMSGLLSQTVILALIFLPQTRPAGVFELQIHSFGPGPGPGAPRSPCSARL PCRLFFRVCLKPGLSEEAAESPCALGAALSARGPVYTEQPGAPAPDLPLPDGLLQVPFRD AWPGTF SFIIETWREELGDQIGGP AWSLLARVAGRRRL AAGGPWARDIQRAGAWELRF S YRARCEPP AV GT ACTRLCRPRS AP SRCGPGLRPC APLEDECEAPL V CRAGC SPEHGF CEQ PGECRCLEGWTGPLCTVPVSTSSCLSPRGPSSATTGCLVPGPGPCDGNPCANGGSCSETP RSFECTCPRGFYGLRCEVSGVTCADGPCFNGGLCVGGADPDSAYICHCPPGFQGSNCEK RVDRCSLQPCRNGGLCLDLGHALRCRCRAGFAGPRCEHDLDDCAGRACANGGTCVEG GGAHRC SC ALGF GGRDCRERADPC AARPC AHGGRC Y AHF SGL V C AC APGYMGARCEF PVHPDGASALPAAPPGLRPGDPQRYLLPPALGLLVAAGVAGAALLLVHVRRRGHSQDA GSRLL AGTPEP S VHALPD ALNNLRT QEGSGDGP S S S VDWNRPED VDPQGIYVIS AP SIY A REA (SEQ ID NO:30)

[0258] CAR Signal Peptide DNA

ATGGCACTCCCCGTAACTGCTCTGCTGCTGCCGTTGGCATTGCTCCTGCACGCCGCA CGCCCG (SEQ ID NO: 31)

[0259] CAR Signal Peptide: M ALP VT ALLLPL ALLLH AARP (SEQ ID NO:32)

[0260] scFv G4S linker DNA

GGCGGTGGAGGCTCCGGAGGGGGGGGCTCTGGCGGAGGGGGCTCC (SEQ ID NO:33) [0261] scFv G4s linker: GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO:34)

[0262] scFv Whitlow linker DNA

GGGTCTACATCCGGCTCCGGGAAGCCCGGAAGTGGCGAAGGTAGTACAAAGGGG

(SEQ ID NO: 35)

[0263] scFv Whitlow linker: GSTSGSGKPGSGEGSTKG (SEQ ID NO:36)

[0264] 4-1BB Nucleic Acid Sequence (intracellular domain)

AAGCGGGGGAGAAAAAAGCT GCT GT AC ATTTT CAAACAGCCGTTTAT GAGGCCGGT C CAAACGACTCAGGAAGAAGACGGCTGCTCCTGCCGCTTTCCTGAGGAGGAGGAGGG CGGGT GCGAACT G (SEQ ID NO: 37) [0265] 4-1BB AA (intracellular domain)

KRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCEL (SEQ ID NO: 38)

[0266] 0X40 AA

RRDQRLPPDAHKPPGGGSFRTPIQEEQADAHSTLAKI (SEQ ID NO: 39)

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0267] 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. However, the citation of a reference herein should not be construed as an acknowledgement that such reference is prior art to the present invention. To the extent that any of the definitions or terms provided in the references incorporated by reference differ from the terms and discussion provided herein, the present terms and definitions control.

EQUIVALENTS

[0268] The foregoing written specification is considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. The foregoing description and examples detail certain preferred embodiments of the invention and describe the best mode contemplated by the inventors. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing may appear in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways and the invention should be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

[0269] The following examples, including the experiments conducted and results achieved, are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

[0270] A third generation lentiviral transfer vector containing the different CAR constructs was used along with the ViraPower Lentiviral Packaging Mix (Life Technologies) to generate the lentiviral supernatants. Briefly, a transfection mix was generated by mixing 15 pg of DNA and 22.5 mΐ of polyethileneimine (Polysciences, 1 mg/ml) in 600 mΐ of OptiMEM medium. The mix was incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature. Simultaneously, 293T cells (ATCC) were trypsinized, counted and a total of 10x106 total cells were plated in a T75 flask along the transfection mix. Three days after the transfection, supernatants were collected and filtered through a 0.45 pm filter and stored at -80°C until used. PBMCs were isolated from healthy donor leukopaks (Hemacare) using ficoll-paque density centrifugation per manufacturer’s instructions. PBMCs were stimulated using OKT3 (50 ng/ml, Miltenyi Biotec) in R10 medium + IL-2 (300 IU/ml, Proleukin®, Prometheus® Therapeutics and Diagnostics). Forty eight hours post-stimulation, cells were transduced using lentivirus at an MOI = 10. Cells were maintained at 0.5-2.0 x 106 cells/ml prior to use in activity assays. To examine CAR expression, T cells were stained with DLL3-Fc detection reagent (Amgen, Inc..) or biotinylated Protein L (Thermo Scientific) in stain buffer (BD Pharmingen) for 30 minutes at 4°C. Cells were then washed and stained with anti-Fc-PE (Miltenyi Biotec) or PE Streptavidin (BD Pharmingen) in stain buffer for 30 minutes at 4°C. Cells were then washed and resuspended in stain buffer with propidium iodide (BD Pharmingen) prior to data acquisition. Expression of DLL3 CARs in T cells from a healthy donor is shown in FIGEIRE 1. Numbers in each box indicate the percent positive population.

EXAMPLE 2

[0271] To examine cytolytic activity in lentivirus-transduced DLL3 CAR T cells, effector cells were cultured with target cells at a 1 : 1 E:T ratio in R10 medium. Sixteen and forty hours post- coculture, supernatants were analyzed by Luminex (EMD Millipore) and target cell viability was assessed by flow cytometric analysis of propidium iodide (PI) uptake by CD3-negative cells. Average cytolytic activity of lentivirus-transduced CAR T cells from healthy donors is shown in FIGETRE 2 (EoLl cells are control, H82 and EoLl-DLL3 express DLL3 on the surface) and cytokine production by CAR T cells from a healthy donor is shown in FIGEIRE 3.

EXAMPLE 3 [0272] To assess CAR T cell proliferation in response to DLL3 -expressing target cells, T cells were labeled with CFSE prior to co-culture with target cells at a 1 : 1 E:T ratio in R10 medium. Five days later, T cell proliferation was assessed by flow cytometric analysis of CFSE dilution (FIGEIRE 4). Proliferation of DLL3 CAR T cells is shown in FIGEIRE 5.

EXAMPLE 4

[0273] To examine in vivo anti-tumor activity, DLL3 CAR T cells were generated for use in a xenogeneic model of human SCLC. Luciferase-labeled SHP-77 cells (2xl06/animal) were injected intravenously into 5 to 6 week-old female NSG mice. After 6 days, 6x106 T cells (-50% CAR+) in 200 mΐ PBS were injected intravenously and the tumor burden of the animals was measured weekly using bioluminescence imaging. As shown in FIGEIRE 6, injection of DLL3 CAR T cells significantly reduced the tumor burden at all time points examined (nt = non- transfected control; CAR1 = lH2. l-C28T-CD28-CD3Q CAR2 = lH2. l-C28T-4-lBB-CD3Q CAR3 = lH2. l-C8k-CD28-CD3 CAR4 = lH2. l-C8k-4-lBB-CD3C). As shown in FIGURE 6, this was further confirmed with survival analysis where injection of the 1H2-CD28T or 1H2-4- 1BB expressing CAR T cells conferred a significant survival advantage over animals that received mock transduced cells.