EGFR Antibody [H9B4]

Background:

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor is a type I receptor tyrosine kinase, referred to as EGFR, ErbB1 and HER1. When EGFR is activated by one of its ligands, it dimerizes. It can form a homodimer, heterodimers with other ErbB family members, or even a cluster of EGFRs. Activation stimulates EGFRs intracellular kinase activity. Autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the C-terminal domain of EGFR leads to association with proteins with phosphotyrosine-binding domains which then signal the initiation of signal transduction cascades including the JNK, MAPK, AKT, and possibly Nf-KB, pathways. Overexpression of EGFR is the cause of some types of cancer, including lung and colon cancer. It has also been linked to psoriasis, eczema and atherosclerosis, although poorly defined. Monoclonal antibody to EGFR can be used to block the extracellular ligand binding domain, therebye blocking tyrosine kinase activation and subsequent signal transduction.