The ERBB2 antibody targets the ERBB2 protein, also known as HER2/neu, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase family. ERBB2 plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In cancers such as breast, gastric, and ovarian, ERBB2 gene amplification or protein overexpression occurs in 15-30% of cases, driving uncontrolled cell growth via activation of downstream signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT, MAPK). This makes ERBB2 a key therapeutic target.
ERBB2 antibodies are broadly categorized into diagnostic and therapeutic types. Diagnostic antibodies (e.g., immunohistochemistry reagents) detect ERBB2 overexpression in tumor tissues, guiding treatment decisions. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, like trastuzumab (Herceptin®) and pertuzumab (Perjeta®), bind to ERBB2’s extracellular domain, inhibiting dimerization, blocking signaling, and inducing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). These therapies have significantly improved outcomes in ERBB2-positive cancers, particularly breast cancer.
Trastuzumab, the first FDA-approved ERBB2-targeted antibody (1998), revolutionized precision oncology. Newer antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), such as trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), combine ERBB2 targeting with cytotoxic payloads, enhancing efficacy in resistant tumors. Research continues to address resistance mechanisms and expand applications to other ERBB2-altered cancers. ERBB2 antibodies exemplify the integration of molecular diagnostics and targeted therapy in modern oncology.