Oligoclonal antibodies to target the ErbB family

Abstract

Introduction: Use of mAbs to inhibit signaling through the ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase family has proven to be an effective strategy for treating ErbB-driven cancers. Advances in the field of antibody engineering and manufacturing now allow us to more effectively mimic the natural immune response by generating oligoclonal mixtures of antibodies against desired targets of interest.

Areas covered: In this review, we examine the literature describing the development of oligoclonal mixtures of antibodies against ErbB family members and the impact of those mixtures on preclinical and clinical efficacy.

Expert opinion: Oligoclonal antibodies, facilitated by the improved antibody engineering and manufacturing techniques, hold the promise of improving patient outcomes. Through the use of empirical methods, oligoclonal mixtures with enhanced capacity to block signaling through ErbB family members can be identified. The intrinsic mechanisms associated with each of the component mAbs provide an opportunity to block signaling via multiple mechanisms of action. In addition, combinations of antibodies targeting multiple ErbB family members provide the capacity to down-regulate signaling through multiple components of this critical pathway.

Keywords:

• antibody
• clinical
• ErbB
• oligoclonal
• preclinical

Declaration of interest

MK Robinson has received a research grant from the American Cancer Society (#MRSG-08-018-01-CDD) and support from an NIH Cancer Center support grant (#CA06927). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.

Notes

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