ErbB/HER family in cancer immunology: therapeutic advances and mechanisms

Abstract

The ErbB/HER family has a crucial role in tumor progression and immune responses, offering promising targets for cancer drug discovery. In particular, ErbB/HER-targeted therapeutic agents, in the forms of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), monoclonal/bispecific antibodies (mAbs/BsAbs), and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), have emerged as effective therapeutic options to achieve excellent clinical outcomes by improving treatment efficacy, reducing drug resistance, and lowering systemic toxicity. Multiple ErbB/HER-targeted therapeutic agents have been used globally for numerous clinical trials, with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Furthermore, combination therapy targeting ErbB/HER family members with immunotherapy and chemotherapy enhances therapeutic effects. In this review, we highlight recent advances in single and combined anti-cancer therapeutics targeting ErbB/HER family members, underscoring their potential as transformative treatment strategies. We also discuss recent advances in the structure, mechanism, selectivity, and efficacy of single and combined ErbB/HER-targeted drug design and development efforts, shedding light on their potential to improve cancer treatment.