Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Determining Optimal Cytotoxic Activity of Human Her2neu Specific CD8 T cells by Comparing the Cr51 Release Assay to the xCELLigence System
Published on: August 8, 2012
Clinical trials of HER-2/neu-specific vaccines
J L Murray1, D Przepiorka, C G Ioannides
1Department of Bioimmunotherapy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Recently there has been a renewed interest in developing vaccines for use in cancer treatment. Part of this interest stems from a better understanding of the immune system, the identification of a number of T-cell-specific tumor antigens, more effective adjuvants, and the ability to construct more immunogenic molecules using recombinant DNA techniques. Studies from several laboratories have shown that breast cancer patients have preexisting immunity to the HER-2/neu oncoprotein receptor (HER-2) in the form of elevated antibody titers and T-cell immunity. Preclinical studies showed enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursors in spleens from animals immunized with several human leukocyte antigen class I and class II peptides derived from the HER-2 protein. Phase I trials of these peptides combined with the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as a part of therapy in patients with HER-2-positive cancers have shown minimal local toxicity, along with enhanced helper T-cell activity and antibody production in patients with minimal disease. Increases in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor activity were less frequent, but in some cases could be enhanced when patient lymphocytes were incubated ex vivo with the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-12. Other preclinical studies designed to enhance HER-2 peptide immunogenicity are in progress. Additional current and future clinical trials using HER-2-derived vaccines will be discussed.
Insights
Cancer vaccines targeting HER-2 show promise, with early trials indicating enhanced immune responses in patients with HER-2-positive cancers. Further research is ongoing to improve immunogenicity and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Renewed interest in cancer vaccines driven by advances in immunology and molecular techniques.
- Breast cancer patients exhibit pre-existing immunity to HER-2 oncoprotein, including antibody and T-cell responses.
- HER-2 is a validated target in several cancers, particularly breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and clinical evaluation of HER-2-derived cancer vaccines.
- To assess the immunogenicity and toxicity of HER-2 peptide vaccines in preclinical and clinical settings.
- To discuss ongoing and future clinical trials for HER-2-targeted cancer immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical studies involving immunization with HER-2 peptides and assessment of immune responses (DTH, CTLP).
- Phase I clinical trials using HER-2 peptides combined with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
- Ex vivo incubation of patient lymphocytes with interleukin-12 to enhance cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor activity.
Main Results:
- Preclinical models demonstrated enhanced DTH and CTLP responses after HER-2 peptide immunization.
- Phase I trials showed minimal toxicity and increased helper T-cell activity and antibody production in patients with minimal disease.
- Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor activity increases were observed in some patients, particularly after IL-12 treatment.
Conclusions:
- HER-2 peptide vaccines, combined with GM-CSF, are safe and can elicit beneficial immune responses in HER-2-positive cancer patients.
- Further preclinical studies are exploring methods to enhance HER-2 peptide immunogenicity.
- Clinical trials are essential to establish the efficacy of HER-2-derived vaccines in improving patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:11Clinical Trials: Overview
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...