Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-derived peptide epitopes (HER2 peptide epitopes)

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-derived peptide epitopes are short amino acid sequences derived from the HER2/neu protein, which is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family frequently overexpressed in various cancers, particularly breast and gastric malignancies (Source: PubMed, PMID: 24840953). These peptides, such as E75 (nelipepimut-S), GP2, and AE37, are designed to function as therapeutic cancer vaccines by stimulating the host's immune system to recognize and eliminate HER2-positive tumor cells (Source: National Cancer Institute). When administered, often in combination with an immunoadjuvant like GM-CSF, these epitopes are presented by human leukocyte antigens (HLA) on the surface of antigen-presenting cells to activate specific T-cell populations (Source: J Clin Oncol, PMID: 16135478). E75 and GP2 primarily target CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes via MHC Class I presentation, while AE37 is engineered to enhance MHC Class II presentation to CD4+ helper T cells, fostering a more robust and sustained anti-tumor response (Source: Ann Oncol, PMID: 27052654). Clinical applications focus on preventing disease recurrence in the adjuvant setting for patients with low-to-intermediate HER2 expression who may not qualify for standard monoclonal antibody therapies like trastuzumab (Source: Breast Cancer Res Treat, PMID: 32651778).

Other names

ERBB2-derived peptide epitopesHER2/neu-derived peptidesE75 peptideGP2 peptideAE37 peptideNelipepimut-SNeuVax

These peptides function as cancer vaccines by being presented on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to T cells. MHC Class I-restricted peptides (like E75 and GP2) stimulate CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize and lyse HER2-expressing tumor cells, while MHC Class II-restricted peptides (like AE37) stimulate CD4+ helper T cells to enhance and sustain the anti-tumor immune response (Source: PubMed, PMID: 16135478, 27052654).