Scientists are investigating IgE antibodies as an alternative to conventional IgG antibodies for treating HER2-expressing cancers like some breast and ovarian cancers.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Mar 20, 2025
IgE antibodies activate different immune cells than IgG, stimulating otherwise inactive cells in the tumor microenvironment to directly target cancer.
2
The study led by Dr. Heather Bax at King's College London engineered IgE versions of existing IgG therapies to test against HER2-expressing cancer cells.
3
IgE antibodies successfully directed immune cells against cancer cells and slowed tumor growth in mice with tumors resistant to conventional treatments.
4
The antibodies reprogrammed the "immune microenvironment" around tumors from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory, activating the immune system against cancer cells.
5
With proper investment and development, researchers believe this approach could be used in humans within 3-5 years.
6
Approximately 20% of breast and ovarian cancers express the HER2 marker, which is responsible for cancer growth.
7
Dr. Bax stated this is the first demonstration that IgEs can harness unique mechanisms to effectively target HER2-expressing cancers resistant to existing therapies.
8
Professor Sophia Karagiannis noted that the human immune system consistently reacts in the presence of IgE to restrict cancer growth.
9
Breast Cancer Now, which funded the study, called this "exciting research" that could lead to much-needed new treatments for people with HER2 positive breast cancer.