AE37: A novel T-cell-eliciting vaccine for breast cancer

Introduction: Immunotherapy, including vaccines targeting the human EGFR2 (HER-2/neu) protein, is an active area of investigation in combatting breast cancer. Several vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials, most of which are CD8 ⁺ T-cell-eliciting vaccines. AE37 is a promising primarily CD4 ⁺ T-cell-eliciting HER-2/neu breast cancer vaccine currently in clinical trials. Areas covered: This article reviews preclinical investigations as well as findings from completed and ongoing Phase I and Phase II clinical trials of the AE37 vaccine. Expert opinion: Clinical trials have shown the AE37 vaccine to be safe and capable of generating peptide-specific, durable immune responses. This has been shown in patients with any level of HER-2/neu expression. Early clinical findings suggest there may be benefit to AE37 vaccination in preventing breast cancer recurrence.