Multivalent exposure of trastuzumab on iron oxide nanoparticles improves antitumor potential and reduces resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells

Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 26;8(1):6563. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-24968-x.

Abstract

Targeted therapies have profoundly changed the clinical prospect in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. In particular, the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab represents the gold standard for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer patients. Its contribution in dampening cancer progression is mainly attributed to the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) rather than HER2 blockade. Here, multiple half chains of trastuzumab were conjugated onto magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP-HC) to develop target-specific and biologically active nanosystems to enhance anti-HER2 therapeutic potential. HER2 targeting was assessed in different human breast cancer cell lines, where nanoparticles triggered site-specific phosphorylation in the catalytic domain of the receptor and cellular uptake by endocytosis. MNP-HC induced remarkable antiproliferative effect in HER2+ breast cancer cells, exhibiting enhanced activity compared to free drug. Accordingly, nanoparticles induced p27kip1 expression and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, without loosing capability to prime ADCC. Finally, MNP-HC affected viability of trastuzumab-resistant cells, suggesting interference with the resistance machinery. Our findings indicate that multiple arrangement of trastuzumab half chain on the nanoparticle surface enhances anticancer efficacy in HER2+ breast cancer cells. Powerful inhibition of HER2 signaling could promote responsiveness of resistant cells, thus suggesting ways for drug sensitization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Female
  • Ferric Compounds*
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Transport
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Trastuzumab / administration & dosage*
  • Trastuzumab / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Ferric Compounds
  • ferric oxide
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab