Reprogramming human T cell function and specificity with non-viral genome targeting

Abstract

Decades of work have aimed to genetically reprogram T cells for therapeutic purposes ¹ using recombinant viral vectors, which do not target transgenes to specific genomic sites ^{2, 3} . In addition, the need for viral vectors has slowed down research and clinical use as their manufacturing and testing is lengthy and expensive. Genome editing brought the promise of specific and efficient insertion of large transgenes into target cells through homology-directed repair (HDR) ^{4, 5} . Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9 genome targeting system that does not require viral vectors, allowing rapid and efficient insertion of large DNA sequences (> 1kb) at specific sites in the genomes of primary human T cells, while preserving cell viability and function. This permits individual or multiplexed modification of endogenous genes. First, we apply this strategy to correct a pathogenic IL2RA mutation in cells from patients with monogenic autoimmune disease, demonstrating improved signaling function. Second, we replace the endogenous T cell receptor ( TCR) locus with a new TCR redirecting T cells to a cancer antigen. The resulting TCR-engineered T cells specifically recognize tumour antigen and mount productive anti-tumour cell responses in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these studies provide preclinical evidence that non-viral genome targeting can enable rapid and flexible experimental manipulation and therapeutic engineering of primary human immune cells.