Described herein are methods for producing and utilizing an alternative signal 1 domain to construct an optimally signaling CAR. Alternative signal 1 domains of the present technology are based on alternatives to CD3ζ, including mutated ITAMs from CD3ζ (which contains 3 IT AM motifs), truncations of CD3ζ, and alternative splice variants known as CD3s, CD3 theta, and artificial constructs engineered to express fusions between CD3s or CD30 and CD3ζ. CAR polypeptides comprising alternative signal 1 domains are utilized to engineer CAR T cells. Further, this technology related to methods of treating cancer by administering to a subject in need thereof CAR T cells comprising alternative signal 1 domains.

Provided for herein in several embodiments are immune cell-based compositions comprising BCMA-directed chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). In several embodiments, the immune-cell based compositions also target an additional tumor marker and/or an additional epitope of BCMA. In several embodiments, the BCMA-directed CAR is expressed in a Natural Killer cell. In several embodiments, combinations of BCMA-CAR-expressing NK cells are administered in conjunction with, for example CAR-expressing NK cells and/or CAR-expressing T cells that are directed to an additional cancer marker and/or an additional epitope of BCMA. Also provided for herein are methods and uses of the chimeric antigen receptors in immunotherapy.

Disclosed herein are circular RNAs and transfer vehicles, along with related compositions and methods of treatment. The circular RNAs can comprise group I intron fragments, spacers, an IRES, duplex forming regions, and/or an expression sequence, thereby having the features of improved expression, functional stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and/or extended half-life compared to linear RNA. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such circular RNAs and transfer vehicles are particularly suitable for efficient protein expression in immune cells in vivo. Also disclosed are precursor RNAs and materials useful in producing the precursor or circular RNAs, which have improved circularization efficiency and/or are compatible with effective circular RNA purification methods.

The present describes monoclonal antibody to MUC1*.

Genetically engineered T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that binds B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and uses thereof for treating multiple myeloma, for example, refractory and/or relapsed multiple myeloma. The genetically engineered T cells may comprise a disrupted endogenous TRAC gene and/or a disrupted endogenous β2M gene.

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for inhibiting the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment using cell therapy wherein the cells express a chimeric protein having an extracellular domain that binds TRAIL-R2 and an intracellular domain that in specific embodiments comprises one or more costimulatory domains that enhance activity of the cells upon activation. In specific embodiments, the chimeric protein comprises an scFv that targets TRAIL-R2 and an intracellular region that comprises a costimulatory domain from 4-1BB. In particular embodiments, the cells also express a therapeutic protein, such as a chimeric antigen receptor.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response toward tumor and pathogen antigens. It relates to immunoresponsive cells comprising two or more chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), wherein the CARs comprise different intracellular signaling domains, in particular, the intracellular signaling domains of the CARs comprise different co-stimulatory molecules.

Provided is a modified immune cell, comprising a chimeric antigen receptor and/or a coding element therefor, or comprising a T cell receptor and/or a coding element therefor. The immune cell further comprises: leptin and/or a functional fragment thereof; and/or, a leptin receptor and/or a functional fragment thereof, and the expression quantity of the leptin receptor and/or the functional fragment thereof in the immune cell is increased compared with that in an immune cell without the corresponding modification. In addition, also provided is another modified immune cell, comprising leptin and/or a functional fragment thereof, and/or, a leptin receptor and/or a functional fragment thereof, and a low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein or a fragment thereof.

Provided are methods and compositions for obtaining functionally enhanced derivative effector cells obtained from directed differentiation of genomically engineered iPSCs. The derivative cells provided herein have stable and functional genome editing that delivers improved or enhanced therapeutic effects. Also provided are therapeutic compositions and the used thereof comprising the functionally enhanced derivative effector cells alone, or with antibodies or checkpoint inhibitors in combination therapies.

Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions related to targeting of BCMA-expressing cells by NK cells specifically engineered to bind the BCMA antigen. In particular embodiments, NK cells that are manipulated to expressing BCMA-targeting chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are utilized to target cancers that express BCMA. In certain embodiments, vectors that express the BCMA-targeting CARs also express particular suicide genes and/or particular cytokines.