Immunogenicity of chimeric MUC1-HER2 vaccine against breast cancer in mice

OBJECTIVE(S): Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is on the increase. MUC1 and HER2 as tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are abnormally expressed to some extent in 75–80% of breast cancers. In our present research, a novel chimeric MUC1-HER2 (HM) protein was designed and used to study whether an immune response can be generated against these TAAs. In vitro analysis of the HER2-MUC1 construct confirmed the co-expression of MUC1 and HER2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were immunized with this novel chimeric protein. The humoral immune response was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then, BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously 2×105 4T1-MUC1-HER2 tumor cells. Subsequently, tumor size and tumor necrosis measurements, MTT, cytokines assay and survival test were performed. RESULTS: The results implied a critical role of HER2 and MUC1 antibodies in vaccination against breast cancer. This engineered protein can be a good vaccine to stop breast cancer. CONCLUSION: The results implied a critical role of HER2 and MUC1 antibodies in vaccination against breast cancer. This engineered protein can be a good vaccine to stop breast cancer.