Methods and compositions relating to ex vivo culture and modulation of t cells

Abstract

Described herein are methods for producing and utilizing an artificial antigen presenting cell (aAPC). An aAPC is engineered to express a first and second chimeric stimulatory receptor that specifically bind antigen presenting on a T cell of interest. The aAPC as described herein is designed for use in activating and/or expanding a T cell or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell. Further, this invention relates to methods of treating cancer by administering to a subject in need thereof an aAPC-activated CAR T cell.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method of treating a cancer, a plasma cell disease or disorder, or an autoimmune disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising:
 contacting an artificial antigen presenting cell (aAPC) with a CAR T cell, thereby activating the CAR T cell, wherein the aAPC comprises:
 a first chimeric stimulatory receptor (CSR) that binds specifically with a first co-stimulatory polypeptide; and 
 a second CSR that binds specifically a second co-stimulatory polypeptide; and 
   administering the activated CAR T cell to the subject.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the contacting step occurs in vitro. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the contacting step occurs in suspension. 
     
     
         26 .- 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the cancer is a leukemia, a lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or a solid tumor. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the leukemia is acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the lymphoma is follicular lymphoma or diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).