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Protein & Peptide Letters

Author(s): Yan Si, Xinxin Pei, Xiangfang Wang, Qianqian Han, Changzhi Xu* and Buchang Zhang*

DOI: 10.2174/0929866528666210930170624

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An Anti-EGFR/anti- HER2 Bispecific Antibody with Enhanced Antitumor Activity Against Acquired Gefitinib-Resistant NSCLC Cells

Page: [1290 - 1297] Pages: 8

  • * (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Background: Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is a recurrent phenomenon during clinical therapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studies have shown that HER2 is a key factor contributing to drug resistance in a variety of cancers. Furthermore, we have observed that HER2 is overexpressed in PC-9 NSCLC cells with acquired gefitinib-resistance (PC-9/GR) as compared to that in PC-9 cells.

Objective: We hypothesized that blocking both EGFR and HER2 may serve as a potential strategy for the treatment of NSCLC with acquired gefitinib-resistance.

Methods: To target both EGFR and HER2 simultaneously, we developed a bispecific antibody HECrossMAb, which was derived from a humanized Cetuximab and Trastuzumab. The binding affinity of HECrossMAb for EGFR and HER2 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The MTT assay was used to determine the effect of HECrossMAb on the proliferation of PC-9 and PC-9/GR cells in vitro. Finally, the effect of HECrossMAb on PI3K/AKT signaling and associated transcription factors was measured using western blot analysis.

Results: Our results showed that HECrossMAb exerts enhanced cytotoxicity in both PC-9 and PC-9/GR cells by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling and expression of relevant transcription factors such as AEG-1, c-Myc, and c-Fos.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that HECrossMAb may function as a potential therapeutic agent for treating NSCLC overexpressing EGFR and HER2.

Keywords: NSCLC, EGFR, HER2, bispecific antibody, acquired gefitinib-resistance, HECrossMAb.

Graphical Abstract

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