Ebselen oxide and derivatives are new allosteric HER2 inhibitors for HER2-positive cancers

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2/HER2) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is overexpressed in 25% of primary human breast cancers, as well as in multiple other cancers. HER2-targeted therapies improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with HER2(+) breast cancers. However, associated resistance mechanisms and toxicity highlight the need for new therapeutic approaches for these cancers. We recently established that, in normal cells, HER2 is stabilized in a catalytically repressed state by direct interaction with members of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family. In HER2-overexpressing tumors, the low expression of moesin contributes to the aberrant activation of HER2. Through a screen designed to find moesin-mimicking compounds, we identified ebselen oxide. We show that ebselen oxide, and some derivatives, conferred an efficient allosteric inhibition of overexpressed HER2, as well as mutated and truncated oncogenic forms of HER2, which are resistant to current therapies. Ebselen oxide selectively inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent proliferation of HER2(+) cancer cells and showed a significant benefit in combination with current anti-HER2 therapeutic agents. Finally, ebselen oxide significantly blocked HER2(+) breast tumor progression in vivo. Collectively, these data provide evidence that ebselen oxide is a newly identified allosteric inhibitor of HER2 to be considered for therapeutic intervention on HER2(+) cancers.

Automated summary

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in various cancers, including breast cancer, and targeted therapies have shown benefits. However, resistance mechanisms and toxicity call for new approaches. This study identified ebselen oxide as an allosteric inhibitor of HER2, which efficiently inhibited overexpressed and resistant forms of HER2. Ebselen oxide selectively inhibited proliferation and showed synergy with current anti-HER2 therapies. It also blocked tumor progression in vivo. These findings suggest ebselen oxide as a potential therapeutic option for HER2-positive cancers.