The Sound of Evolution
Trastuzumab
Mechanism of action:
Trastuzumab is an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) belongs to the ErbB receptor family, and its activation depends on dimerization with other family members, including HER1/EGFR, HER3, and HER4. After binding to the HER2 receptor, trastuzumab suppresses the downstream oncogenic signaling triggered by HER2 overactivation, including the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways, thereby reducing the proliferative capacity of tumor cells and making them more prone to apoptosis. Because trastuzumab is an IgG1 antibody, it can also induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity through its Fc region.
Reference(s):
1. Bange J et al. (2001). Molecular targets for breast cancer therapy and prevention. Nat Med.
2. Menard S et al. (2003). Biologic and therapeutic role of HER2 in cancer. Oncogene.
3. Kute T et al. (2004). Development of Herceptin resistance in breast cancer cells. Cytometry A.