Plant-Derived Anti-Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Antibody Suppresses Trastuzumab-Resistant Breast Cancer with Enhanced Nanoscale Binding

ACS Nano. 2024 Jun 25;18(25):16126-16140. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00360. Epub 2024 May 19.

Abstract

Traditional monoclonal antibodies such as Trastuzumab encounter limitations when treating Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, particularly in cases that develop resistance. This study introduces plant-derived anti-HER2 variable fragments of camelid heavy chain domain (VHH) fragment crystallizable region (Fc) KEDL(K) antibody as a potent alternative for overcoming these limitations. A variety of biophysical techniques, in vitro assays, and in vivo experiments uncover the antibody's nanoscale binding dynamics with transmembrane HER2 on living cells. Single-molecule force spectroscopy reveals the rapid formation of two robust bonds, exhibiting approximately 50 pN force resistance and bond lifetimes in the second range. The antibody demonstrates a specific affinity for HER2-positive breast cancer cells, including those that are Trastuzumab-resistant. Moreover, in immune-deficient mice, the plant-derived anti-HER2 VHH-FcK antibody exhibits superior antitumor activity, especially against tumors that are resistant to Trastuzumab. These findings underscore the plant-derived antibody's potential as an impactful immunotherapeutic strategy for treating Trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Receptor, ErbB-2* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2* / immunology
  • Receptor, ErbB-2* / metabolism
  • Trastuzumab* / chemistry
  • Trastuzumab* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Trastuzumab
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological