National University of Singapore

Takahiro Kamiya

Dario Campana

The present invention relates to a method of using a receptor (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor—CAR) that activates an immune response upon binding a cancer cell ligand in conjunction with a target-binding molecule that targets a protein or molecule for removal or neutralization to generate enhanced anti-cancer immune cells. The present invention also relates to engineered immune cells having enhanced therapeutic efficacy and uses thereof.

Methods for enhancing efficacy of therapeutic immune cells

The present invention relates to genetically engineered cell populations derived from an immortalised/cancerous cell that do not express MHC class I molecules but that are modified to express membrane-bound IL-15, membrane-bound 4-1 BBL ligand, and at least one other membrane bound molecule, such as an interleukin or anti-CD3 antibody. The co-culture of said cells with a population of immune cells results in the activation and expansion of at least one subpopulation of immune cells. Expanded populations of NK cells derived from the co-culture of a mixed cell culture with the stimulatory cell lines may be used in methods of treating cancer or an infectious disease. In a separate embodiment, a plurality of nucleic acids for use in preparing the engineered cell population are provided.

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Singapore, Singapore

Takahiro Kamiya