Sequential stimulation experiment was performed using expanded and rested engineered CAR T cells. Expamers stimulation was done as previously described. Stimulation signal was disrupted by adding 1 mM Biotin. Cells were subsequently washed and transferred into fresh media containing low dose IL-2 (25 IU ml−1). Surface expression of activation markers was monitored by flow cytometry (see below) and cell count was measured (Nucleocounter, Chemotec).
For in vitro killing assay, xCELLigence RTCA System (ACEA Biosciences Inc.) was used. Specific lysis was measured targeting CD19 expressing Human Embryonic Kidney cells (HEK293-CD19+). 2 × 104 target cells were seeded into 96 well E-Plate (ACEA Biosciences Inc.) and rested overnight. Engineered CAR T cells were added in a 5:1 (E:T) ratio and incubated for indicated time. Changes in impedance signal were measured in real-time and analyzed using RTCA Software Pro (ACEA Biosciences Inc.). All used cell lines were unmodified and purchased from ATCC.