Herceptin - Mechanism of Action

Structures and Interactions

HER2

(Figure 4) Human Chromosome 17

ERBB2 is located on the long arm of human chromosome 17 (17q12). This gene codes for the protein HER2 and is known as a proto-oncogene due to its ability to become an oncogene from an over-expression ^[10].

The HER family is composed of three domains: an further divided into four subdomains composed of about 630 amino acids, a composed of a single membrane-spanning region, and an composed of a tyrosine kinase ^[3]. The four subdomains of the extracellular region include:

In EGFR, HER3, and HER4 sub-domains I and III remain in a “closed” conformation until a ligand binds ^[2][11]. Subdomain II remains hidden making contact with sub-domain IV creating a "tether" (See figure 6) ^[11]. The tether between sub-domain II and IV can be temporarily broken in order for the receptor to become more available for a ligand to bind. Although unsure, evidence suggests that the ligand binds to subdomain I and/or subdomain III; also, there’s some evidence of ligand-binding to subdomain IV ^[1][2]. Once ligand-binding is initiated, the receptor experiences a conformational change allowing subdomains I and III to become closer together resulting in the “open” conformation ^[2]. is the truncated form of HER2 and has been shown to have an increased ability to cross-phosphorylate with the other receptors of the HER family and has increased cellular signaling capabilities.

One combination of epidermal growth factor receptors has the potential to be a potent inducer of tumorigenesis ^[3]. HER2:HER3 combination can be especially detrimental to a patient exhibiting over-expression of HER2. While HER2 activates a cell proliferation pathway, HER3 is the only receptor that can directly activate the PI3K pathway. The PI3K pathway recruits its messengers (Akt and mTOR) that allows for the activation of cell survival mechanisms and helps the cell resist apoptosis. This combination can become deadly resulting in metastasized cancer.

Herceptin

is a monoclonal antibody proven to be a clinically effective treatment in fighting HER2+ breast cancer. There is also some clinical evidence suggesting that Herceptin enhances the effects of chemotherapy ^{[3] [12]}. Herceptin binds to the juxtamembrane region of HER2 on the C-terminal portion of subdomain IV ^[2]. The interaction formed by Herceptin and HER2 is mediated by three regions on HER2 that form three loops: residues 557-561 (loop 1), 570-573 (loop 2), and 593-603 (loop 3). Loops 1 and 3 are formed primarily by electrostatic interactions and loop 2 is formed by hydrophobic contacts. The key amino acids involved in the interaction between HER2 and Herceptin can be seen . Herceptin's key amino acids (green) include: Asn 30 and Thr 94 on the light chain and Tyr 33, Arg 50, Trp 99, Gly 103, and Tyr 105 on the heavy chain ^[6]. Key amino acids involved in HER2 are as follows: loop 1 (blue) which includes Glu 558 and Asp 560, loop 2 (red) which includes Asp 570 and Phe 573, and loop 3 (orange) which includes Gln 602.

Herceptin acts by four different mechanisms of action ^[2][3][12]:

• activation of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
• prevention of formation of p95HER2
• inhibition of cell proliferation
• inhibition of angiogenesis

When Herceptin binds to HER2 it is able to flag these cells for destruction. This works by attracting lymphocytes to these HER2+ cells. Lymphocytes are then stimulated to release substances that cause cellular apoptosis.

An added significant mechanism of action of Herceptin is the prevention of the formation of p95HER2. By binding to the juxtamembrane region Herceptin sterically hinders any cleavage of the site ultimately preventing the formation of the highly active p95HER2.

The next two mechanisms of action for Herceptin involve intracellular inhibition. By the binding of Herceptin to the extracellular region of HER2 Herceptin is able to prevent downstream activation of cell signals that induce cell proliferation and angiogenesis. By repression of the proangiogenic factors Herceptin is also able to induce antiangiogenic factors. Inhibiting these intracellular processes Herceptin prevents any further blood vessels from developing towards the tumor and prevents the tumor from growing any larger.

One limitation with this therapy is that it does not prevent HER2 from dimerizing with HER3 ^[3]. This makes it possible for the activation of the PI3K pathway which increases the ability of the cell to survive. Further therapies targeting the prevention of HER2 to dimerize with other members of the HER family will be necessary for future investigational studies.