[HTML][HTML] Alphavirus replicon particles containing the gene for HER2/neuinhibit breast cancer growth and tumorigenesis

X Wang, JP Wang, MF Maughan, LB Lachman - Breast Cancer Research, 2004 - Springer
X Wang, JP Wang, MF Maughan, LB Lachman
Breast Cancer Research, 2004Springer
Introduction Overexpression of the HER2/neu gene in breast cancer is associated with an
increased incidence of metastatic disease and with a poor prognosis. Although passive
immunotherapy with the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) has
shown some effect, a vaccine capable of inducing T-cell and humoral immunity could be
more effective. Methods Virus-like replicon particles (VRP) of Venezuelan equine
encephalitis virus containing the gene for HER2/neu (VRP-neu) were tested by an active …
Introduction
Overexpression of the HER2/neu gene in breast cancer is associated with an increased incidence of metastatic disease and with a poor prognosis. Although passive immunotherapy with the humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) has shown some effect, a vaccine capable of inducing T-cell and humoral immunity could be more effective.
Methods
Virus-like replicon particles (VRP) of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus containing the gene for HER2/neu (VRP-neu) were tested by an active immunotherapeutic approach in tumor prevention models and in a metastasis prevention model.
Results
VRP-neu prevented or significantly inhibited the growth of HER2/neu-expressing murine breast cancer cells injected either into mammary tissue or intravenously. Vaccination with VRP-neu completely prevented tumor formation in and death of MMTV-c-neu transgenic mice, and resulted in high levels of neu-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes and serum IgG.
Conclusion
On the basis of these findings, clinical testing of this vaccine in patients with HER2/neu + breast cancer is warranted.
Springer