A specific population of pluripotent killer (PIK) T cells that have been induced to express high levels of antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2; HER2), with potential antitumor activity. Although the exact mechanism(s) of action through which PIK-HER2 cells exert their effects has yet to be elucidated, upon infusion, these cells secrete antibodies targeting HER2 expressed on the surface of tumor cells. This may inhibit HER2-dependent signaling, which may lead to inhibition of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, these cells may stimulate the host immune system to mount both a highly-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) directed against HER2-overexpressing tumors, which leads to tumor cell lysis. HER2 is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of receptor tyrosine kinases and is frequently overexpressed in solid tumors. Check for active clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Related Posts
Recent Posts
