Genetically engineered immune cells, which express at least two metabolism modulating polypeptides and optionally a chimeric receptor polypeptide (e.g., an antibody-coupled T cell receptor (ACTR) polypeptide or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) polypeptide) capable of binding to a target antigen of interest. Also disclosed herein are uses of the engineered immune cells for inhibiting cells expressing a target antigen in a subject in need thereof.

The invention features polypeptides and/or transgenic effector cells including T cell receptors (TCRs) which specifically bind anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) antigens or peptide sequences, and the use of such polypeptides and/or transgenic effector cells and TCRs specific to anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) antigens or peptide sequences in compositions and methods for treating ALK-positive neoplasias such as Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers (NSCLCs).

An antigen-loaded nanogel is formed by loading or encapsulating one or more long peptide antigens or one or more protein antigens in a hydrophobized polysaccharide. The long peptide antigen(s) or protein antigen(s) contains (or each contain) one or more CD8+ cytotoxic T cell recognition epitopes and/or one or more CD4+ helper T cell recognition epitopes, which is/are derived from the antigen. The antigen-loaded nanogel is administered at least one day prior to administration of antigen-specific T cells to improve the efficacy of a T cell infusion therapy against an immune checkpoint inhibitor-resistant tumor. The hydrophobized polysaccharide may be pullulan having cholesteryl groups bound thereto. An immune-enhancing agent also may be administered in or with the antigen-loaded nanogel.

Provided herein are EMCN-specific antigen-binding domains, and chimeric proteins including the EMCN-specific antigen-binding. Also provided herein are cells, nucleic acids, vectors, compositions, and methods directed to proteins including the EMCN-specific antigen-binding domains.