B-cell receptor on HER2-specific B lymphocytes (HER2-BCR)

The B-cell receptor (BCR) on HER2-specific B lymphocytes is a specialized surface immunoglobulin complex that recognizes and binds to specific antigenic determinants (epitopes) of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) protein [2, 12]. In the context of HER2-positive malignancies, such as breast and gastric cancers, these specific B cells are the primary targets for B-cell epitope-based vaccines, which aim to induce an endogenous humoral immune response [1, 2]. Upon binding of a vaccine antigen to the BCR, the B cell undergoes activation, proliferation, and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells that produce polyclonal antibodies against HER2, mimicking the effect of passive immunotherapies like trastuzumab [2, 5]. Additionally, recent advances in adoptive cell therapy involve engineering B cells to express these HER2-specific BCRs to enhance tumor-specific antigen presentation and sustained antibody production within the tumor microenvironment [7, 13]. Targeting this specific BCR population is a strategy to overcome immune tolerance and provide long-lasting anti-tumor immunity [1, 6].

Other names

HER2-specific B-cell receptorAnti-HER2 BCRB-cell receptor on HER2 epitope-specific B lymphocytesHER2-reactive B-cell receptor

Vaccine-mediated activation of the B-cell receptor triggers clonal expansion and differentiation of B cells into plasma cells that secrete endogenous anti-HER2 antibodies [2, 7].