Chimeric Antigen Receptors Combining 4-1BB and CD28 Signaling Domains Augment PI3kinase/AKT/Bcl-XL Activation and CD8+ T Cell-mediated Tumor Eradication

To enhance the strength of activation afforded by tumor antigen-specific receptors, we investigated the effect of adding combined CD28 and 4-1BB costimulatory signaling domains to a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Having transferred receptors encompassing the CD28, 4-1BB, and/or CD3 zeta cytoplasmic domains in primary human CD8+ T cells, we find that the P28BBz receptor, which includes all three signaling domains, is superior to receptors that only include one or two of these domains in promoting cytokine release, in vivo T-cell survival and tumor elimination following intravenous T-cell administration to tumor-bearing severe combined immunodeficient (SCID)/beige mice. Upon in vitro exposure to PSMA, the P28BBZ receptor-induced the strongest PI3 Kinase/Akt activation and Bcl-X-L expression, and the least apoptosis in transduced peripheral blood CD8+ T cells. These findings further support the concept of integrating optimized costimulatory properties into recombinant antigen receptors to augment the survival and function of genetically targeted T cells within the tumor micro-environment.