HER2 Antibodies

Gene Name: HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2)

Function:

• HER2 is a cell surface receptor belonging to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. It plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and survival by activating intracellular signaling pathways.
• Amplification or overexpression of HER2 is associated with several cancers, particularly breast cancer, where it contributes to tumor progression and aggressiveness.

Immune Regulation:

• HER2 overexpression in tumor cells can influence immune responses within the tumor microenvironment.
• Tumors with HER2 amplification may exhibit altered immune cell infiltration, cytokine production, and immune checkpoint molecule expression.
• Targeting HER2-positive tumor cells with immunotherapeutic approaches, such as monoclonal antibodies or CAR-T cell therapies, aims to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and overcome immune evasion mechanisms.

Apoptosis:

• HER2 signaling promotes cell survival and resistance to apoptosis, contributing to tumor cell survival and proliferation.
• Dysregulation of apoptotic pathways downstream of HER2 signaling can enhance tumor cell survival and contribute to tumor progression and resistance to therapy.

Research Implications:

• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying HER2-mediated oncogenic signaling is important for elucidating its roles in cancer development and progression.
• Research on HER2 may have implications for the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for HER2-positive cancers, including breast cancer and other solid tumors.

Clinical Relevance:

• HER2 is a clinically validated therapeutic target in breast cancer, where HER2-targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab, have significantly improved patient outcomes.
• HER2-targeted therapies are also being investigated in other HER2-amplified cancers, such as gastric cancer and lung cancer, where HER2 inhibition may offer therapeutic benefits.
• Additionally, HER2-directed CAR-T cell therapies are being developed as a novel approach for treating HER2-positive malignancies, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant or metastatic disease.