Phage-derived fully human antibody scFv fragment directed against human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 blocked its interaction with VEGF

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) plays a critical role in tumor angiogenesis. None therapeutic antibodies targeting VEGFR‐2 are available in clinical use. Herein, we describe the screening of a new single‐chain antibody fragment (scFv) targeting extracellular domain 3 of human VEGFR‐2 (kinase insert domain‐containing receptor [KDR]3) from Griffin phage display scFv library. A comprehensive sequence analysis was performed to assign the framework and complementary‐determining regions. The scFv exerted particular binding sites to KDR3 on molecular docking, and the binding affinity was further convinced by binding analysis both in quantitative ELISA and real‐time kinetic determination by biosensors (K_D = 40 nM). Finally, the scFv was revealed to inhibit VEGF‐stimulated proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs; IC₅₀ = 5 nM) and to inhibit HUVEC migration significantly at 17 nM. Taken together, our results indicate that we have successfully isolated a scFv which differentially recognizes KDR3 and has potential clinical applications in the treatment of angiogenesis related diseases. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 28: 981–989, 2012     

Recombinant bispecific antibodies for the targeting of adenoviruses to CEA-expressing tumour cells: a comparative analysis of bacterially expressed single-chain diabody and tandem scFv

We have generated two distinct recombinant bispecific antibody molecules for the retargeting of adenoviral vectors to CEA-expressing tumour cells. These antibody molecules were produced by combining the antigen-binding sites of a neutralising anti-fibre knob scFv (S11) and an anti-CEA antibody either in a single-chain diabody format (scDb CEA-S11) or a tandem scFv format (taFv CEA-S11). In order to facilitate expression of taFv CEA-S11 in bacteria we selected from a phage display library taFv molecules with an optimised linker that connects the two scFv fragments. ScDb CEA-S11 and taFv CEA-S11 were expressed and purified in soluble form from the bacterial periplasm with yields of approximately 100 micro g per litre of bacterial culture. In vitro, both bispecific molecules mediated selective and enhanced transduction of CEA-expressing tumour cells by recombinant adenoviruses. These assays did not reveal any differences in efficiency of adenoviral transduction by the two antibody formats. However, compared with taFv CEA-S11, scDb CEA-S11 exhibited a 2- to 3-fold increased stability in human plasma at 37 degrees C. In summary, we could demonstrate that both formats are suitable for adenovirus targeting to tumour cells with similar biological activity in vitro.     

A radioimmunoassay for human epidermal growth factor receptor

The development of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the human epidermal growth factor receptor solubilized with nonionic detergents which employs iodinated epidermal growth factor (125I-EGF) as the specific ligand is described. A monoclonal antibody (R1) that binds specifically to human EGF receptors [Waterfield, M. D., et al. (1982) J. Cell Biochem. 20, 149-161] was used to separate solubilized receptors saturated with 125I-EGF from free ligand by absorption to protein A-Sepharose, and the bound radioactivity was determined. The RIA was linear when increasing amounts of solubilized membrane protein were added and, when compared to the standard polyethylene glycol assay, was more reproducible. In addition, the background nonspecific binding obtained in the presence of a hundred-fold excess of unlabeled EGF was less in the RIA. Substitution of normal mouse serum for the monoclonal antibody gave very low nonspecific background ligand binding and avoided the use of large amounts of unlabeled EGF in the assay. Two major classes of binding sites for EGF were observed in membrane preparations from the cervical carcinoma cell line A431 or from normal human placental tissue. These were present in approximately equal amounts, with apparent dissociation constants of 4 X 10(-10) and 4 X 10(-9) M. Upon solubilization with the nonionic detergent Triton X-100, only one class of EGF binding sites was detected in both cases, with a dissociation constant of 3 X 10(-8) M. The RIA can be used to monitor receptor purification and for quantitation of receptor number and affinity in various cell types.     

Rearranging the domain order of a diabody-based IgG-like bispecific antibody enhances its antitumor activity and improves its degradation resistance and pharmacokinetics

One approach to creating more beneficial therapeutic antibodies is to develop bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), particularly IgG-like formats with tetravalency, which may provide several advantages such as multivalent binding to each target antigen. Although the effects of configuration and antibody-fragment type on the function of IgG-like bsAbs have been studied, there have been only a few detailed studies of the influence of the variable fragment domain order. Here, we prepared four types of hEx3-scDb-Fc, IgG-like bsAbs, built from a single-chain hEx3-Db (humanized bispecific diabody [bsDb] that targets epidermal growth factor receptor and CD3), to investigate the influence of domain order and fusion manner on the function of a bsDb with an Fc fusion format. Higher cytotoxicities were observed with hEx3-scDb-Fcs with a variable light domain (VL)–variable heavy domain (VH) order (hEx3-scDb-Fc-LHs) compared with a VH–VL order, indicating that differences in the Fc fusion manner do not affect bsDb activity. In addition, flow cytometry suggested that the higher cytotoxicities of hEx3-scDb-Fc-LH may be attributable to structural superiority in cross-linking. Interestingly, enhanced degradation resistance and prolonged in vivo half-life were also observed with hEx3-scDb-Fc-LH. hEx3-scDb-Fc-LH and its IgG2 variant exhibited intense in vivo antitumor effects, suggesting that Fc-mediated effector functions are dispensable for effective anti-tumor activities, which may cause fewer side effects. Our results show that merely rearranging the domain order of IgG-like bsAbs can enhance not only their antitumor activity, but also their degradation resistance and in vivo half-life, and that hEx3-scDb-Fc-LHs are potent candidates for next-generation therapeutic antibodies.     

Rearranging the domain order of a diabody-based IgG-like bispecific antibody enhances its antitumor activity and improves its degradation resistance and pharmacokinetics

One approach to creating more beneficial therapeutic antibodies is to develop bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), particularly IgG-like formats with tetravalency, which may provide several advantages such as multivalent binding to each target antigen. Although the effects of configuration and antibody-fragment type on the function of IgG-like bsAbs have been studied, there have been only a few detailed studies of the influence of the variable fragment domain order. Here, we prepared four types of hEx3-scDb-Fc, IgG-like bsAbs, built from a single-chain hEx3-Db (humanized bispecific diabody [bsDb] that targets epidermal growth factor receptor and CD3), to investigate the influence of domain order and fusion manner on the function of a bsDb with an Fc fusion format. Higher cytotoxicities were observed with hEx3-scDb-Fcs with a variable light domain (VL)–variable heavy domain (VH) order (hEx3-scDb-Fc-LHs) compared with a VH–VL order, indicating that differences in the Fc fusion manner do not affect bsDb activity. In addition, flow cytometry suggested that the higher cytotoxicities of hEx3-scDb-Fc-LH may be attributable to structural superiority in cross-linking. Interestingly, enhanced degradation resistance and prolonged in vivo half-life were also observed with hEx3-scDb-Fc-LH. hEx3-scDb-Fc-LH and its IgG2 variant exhibited intense in vivo antitumor effects, suggesting that Fc-mediated effector functions are dispensable for effective anti-tumor activities, which may cause fewer side effects. Our results show that merely rearranging the domain order of IgG-like bsAbs can enhance not only their antitumor activity, but also their degradation resistance and in vivo half-life, and that hEx3-scDb-Fc-LHs are potent candidates for next-generation therapeutic antibodies.     

Screening of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor Flt-1 domain and study on its biological activity

Four human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor Flt-1 cDNA fragments containing extracellular domain loops 2, 1–2, 2–3 and 1–3 respectively were amplified from human placental cDNA library by PCR and used for screening ligand binding domains by yeast two-hybrid system. The result showed that, not only loop 1–3, but also the smaller fragment loop 2–3 could bind to hVEGF₁₆₅. Recombinant expression plasmids pPIC9K/Flt-1(1–3) and pPIC9K/Flt-1(2–3) were constructed and transformed toPichia. pastoris host strain GS115, cultured in flasks, and expressed under the induction of 1% methanol. The expressed product existed in supernatant in the form of soluble molecules and contained more than 60% of total protein after being induced for 4d. After being purified by CM-Sepharose FF and Sephacryl S-100 chromatography, its purity reached above 90%. Biological assayin vitro showed that the binding capacity of expressed soluble Flt-1 (2–3) to hVEGF₁₆₅ and its inhibiting effect on the proliferation of human umbilical veins endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with hVEGF₁₆₅ were close to those of sFlt-1(1–3). Animal test showed that sFlt-1(2–3) could inhibit the formation of regenerate blood vessels stimulated with hVEGF₁₆₅ significantly.     

Photochemically enhanced transduction of polymer-complexed adenovirus targeted to the epidermal growth factor receptor

BACKGROUND: The development of methods for specific delivery of genes into target tissues is an important issue for the further progress of gene therapy. Biological and physical targeting techniques may be combined to redirect gene therapy vectors to specific cells and enhance gene transfer. METHODS: The polymer poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) was conjugated with avidin or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and complexed with adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). Targeting of polymer-coated Ad5 to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was accomplished by the binding of biotin-EGF to pDMAEMA-avidin. A photochemical treatment procedure using photosensitizer and light was applied to increase transduction with EGFR-targeted viral complexes. RESULTS: pDMAEMA-avidin efficiently enhanced transduction through unspecific viral uptake into cells, while pDMAEMA-PEG provided charge shielding of the complexes and increased the specificity to EGFR when biotin-EGF ligands were used. Transduction of PEG-containing, EGFR-targeted viral complexes was inhibited by 66% in coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-deficient RD cells and by 47% in CAR-expressing DU 145 cells in receptor antibody experiments. The photochemical treatment had a substantial effect on transduction, enhancing the percentage of reporter gene positive cells from 20% to 75% of the total viable RD cell population and from 10% to 70% in DU 145 cells. CONCLUSION: Photochemical treatment of cells infected with targeted viral vectors exhibiting a neutral surface charge is a potent method for enhancing transgene expression.     

Extracellular HspBP1 and Hsp72 synergistically activate epidermal growth factor receptor

Background information. Heat‐inducible Hsp72 is the founding member of the Hsp70 (heat shock proteins of 70 kDa) family of molecular chaperones. It is localized primarily in cytoplasm and nucleus but is also found extracellularly. The source of e‐Hsp72 (extracellular Hsp72) is not precisely identified and may not be the same in every situation. A number of studies demonstrated that e‐Hsp72 plays an important role in cell survival, tumour rejection and immune response. However, currently little is known about regulation of e‐Hsp72 function. In cells, Hsp72 is controlled by co‐chaperones. An abundant co‐chaperone, HspBP1 (Hsp72‐binding protein 1) was found extracellularly in the serum. In the present study we analysed the secretion and function of e‐HspBP1 (extracellular HspBP1). Results. A431 human squamous carcinoma cells accumulated Hsp72 and HspBP1 in chromogranin A‐positive granules following heat stress or in the presence of U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C. Following these treatments, A431 cells also increased the secretion of both proteins into the culture medium. The secreted e‐Hsp72 and e‐HspBP1 were co‐immunoprecipitated from the conditioned medium. Purified recombinant HspBP1 augmented e‐Hsp72‐mediated phosphorylation of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and its down‐stream targets, ERK1 (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1) and ERK2 in a concentration‐dependent manner. Finally, a HspBP1 N‐terminal domain deletion mutant and boiled recombinant HspBP1 did not affect the e‐Hsp72‐mediated activity. Conclusions. Heat stress and PLC (phospholipase C) inhibition result in the enhanced secretion of both Hsp72 and HspBP1. In an extracellular environment, the two chaperones interact both physically and functionally, leading to the activation of th EGFR—ERK1/2 signalling pathway. However, the magnitude of EGFR activation depends on the e‐HspBP1/e‐Hsp72 ratio in the medium. Extracellular chaperone‐mediated activation of EGFR can provide a survival advantage to cells under heat shock and other stresses.     

Screening of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor Flt-1 domain and study on its biological activity

Four human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor Flt-1 cDNA fragments containing extracellular domain loops 2, 1-2, 2-3 and 1-3 respectively were amplified from human placen-tal cDNA library by PCR and used for screening ligand binding domains by yeast two-hybrid system. The result showed that, not only loop 1-3, but also the smaller fragment loop 2-3 could bind to hVEGF165. Recombinant expression plasmids pPIC9K/Flt-1(1-3) and pPIC9K/Flt-1 (2-3) were constructed and transformed to Pichia. pastoris host strain GS115, cultured in flasks, and expressed under the induction of 1 % methanol. The expressed product existed in supernatant in the form of soluble molecules and contained more than 60% of total protein after being induced for 4d. After being purified by CM-Sepharose FF and Sephacryl S-100 chromatography, its purity reached above 90%. Biological assay in vitro showed that the binding capacity of expressed soluble Flt-1 (2-3) to hVEGF165 and its inhibiting effect on the proliferation of human um     

Reversible acetylation regulates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 activity

The tyrosine kinase receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 （VEG FR2） is a key regulator of angiogenesis. Here we show that VEGFR2 is acetylated in endothelial cells both at four lysine residues forming a dense cluster in the kinase insert domain and at a single lysine located in the receptor activation loop. These modifications are under dynamic control of the acetyltransferase p300 and two deacetyiases HDAC5 and HDAC6. We demonstrate that VEGFR2 acetylation essentially regulates receptor phosphorylation. In par- ticular, VEGFR2 acetylation significantly alters the kinetics of receptor phosphorylation after ligand binding, allowing receptor phos- phoryiation and intraceUular signaling upon proLonged stimulation with VEGF. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that acetylation of the lysine in the activation loop contributes to the transition to an open active state, in which tyrosine phosphorylation is favored by better exposure of the kinase target residues. These findings indicate that post-translational modification by acetyiation is a critical mechanism that directLy affects VEGFR2 function.     

缺氧诱导因子-1α与血管内皮生长因子及其受体2在大鼠3期压力性损伤皮肤组织中的表达及意义*

目的:分析缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和血管内皮生长因子受体2(KDR)在不同受压时间点大鼠压力性损伤局部皮肤组织中的表达及相互关系,探讨3期压力性损伤慢性难愈的可能机制。方法:将40只SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常对照组、受压3 d、5 d、7 d、 9 d组( n=8 ),使用磁铁压迫法建立3期压力性损伤动物模型。HE染色观察皮肤组织形态;免疫组化法检测VEGF表达,Western blot 检测皮肤组织HIF-1α、VEGF、KDR蛋白表达;对数据行单因素方差分析、LSD检验。结果:①HE结果显示,与正常对照组相比,受压组大鼠表皮逐渐增厚,血管数量不断减少,胶原排列紊乱,炎症细胞浸润增加。②免疫组化结果显示:受压3 d组大鼠皮肤组织中VEGF蛋白表达量较正常对照组明显增高(P＜0.01);受压5 d、7 d和 9 d组大鼠皮肤组织中VEGF蛋白表达量均明显低于正常对照组(P＜0.05)。WB结果和免疫组化结果一致。③WB结果显示:受压3 d、5 d和7 d组大鼠皮肤组织中HIF-1α表达量均明显高于正常对照组(P＜0.01 或 P＜0.05);4组受压组大鼠皮肤组织KDR蛋白表达量均低于正常对照组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01)。结论:HIF-1α介导的VEGF和KDR蛋白表达减少引起组织血管生成减少可能是3期压力性损伤慢性难愈的重要原因之一。     

A bispecific antibody targeting HER2 and PD-L1 inhibits tumor growth with superior efficacy

Activation of the programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) signaling axis plays important roles in intrinsic or acquired resistance to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-directed therapies in the clinic. Therefore, therapies simultaneously targeting both HER2 and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways are of great significance. Here, aiming to direct the anti-PD-L1 responses toward HER2-expressing tumor cells, we constructed a humanized bispecific IgG1 subclass antibody targeting both HER2 and PD-L1 (HER2/PD-L1; BsAb), which displayed satisfactory purity, thermostability, and serum stability. We found that BsAb showed enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity in vitro. In the late phase of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-humanized HER2⁺ tumor xenograft models, BsAb showed superior therapeutic efficacies as compared with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or combination treatment strategies. In cynomolgus monkeys, BsAb showed favorable pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles when administered at a 10 mg/kg dosage. Thus, HER2/PD-L1 BsAb was demonstrated as a potentially effective option for managing HER2⁺ and trastuzumab-resistant tumors in the clinic. We propose that the enhanced antitumor activities of BsAb in vivo may be due to direct inhibition of HER2 signaling or activation of T cells.     

A fully human recombinant IgG-like bispecific antibody to both the epidermal growth factor receptor and the insulin-like growth factor receptor for enhanced antitumor activity

Both the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR) have been implicated in the tumorigenesis of a variety of cancers. Here we propose that simultaneous targeting of both receptors with a bispecific antibody would lead to enhanced antitumor activity. To this end, we produced a recombinant human IgG-like bispecific antibody, a Di-diabody, using the variable regions from two antagonistic antibodies: IMC-11F8 to EGFR and IMC-A12 to IGFR. The Di-diabody binds to both EGFR and IGFR and effectively blocked both EGF- and IGF-stimulated receptor activation and tumor cell proliferation. The Di-diabody also inherited the biological properties from both of its parent antibodies; it triggers rapid and significant IGFR internalization and degradation and mediates effective antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in a variety of tumor cells. Finally, the Di-diabody strongly inhibited the growth of two different human tumor xenografts in vivo. Our results underscore the benefits of simultaneous targeting of two tumor targets with bispecific antibodies.     

Activation mechanism of solubilized epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase.

Dimerization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) leads to the activation of its tyrosine kinase. To elucidate whether dimerization is responsible for activation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain or just plays a role in the stabilization of the active form, the activated status of wild-type EGFR moiety in the heterodimer with kinase activity-deficient mutant receptors was investigated. The kinase activity of the wild-type EGFR was partially activated by EGF in the heterodimer with intracellular domain deletion (sEGFR) or ATP binding-deficient mutant (K721A) EGFRs, while the wild-type EGFR in the heterodimer of wild-type and phosphate transfer activity-deficient mutant receptor D813N could be fully activated. After treatment with EGF, the ATP binding affinity and the V(max) of the wild-type EGFR increased. In the presence of sEGFR, a similar increase in the affinity for ATP was observed, but V(max) did not change. A two-step activation mechanism for EGFR was proposed: upon binding of EGF, the affinity for ATP increased and then, as a result of interaction between the neighboring tyrosine kinase domain, V(max) increased.     

Serum levels of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor in individuals exposed to arsenic in drinking water in Bangladesh

Epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent mechanisms have been implicated in growth signal transduction pathways that contribute to cancer development, including dermal carcinogenesis. Detection of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR ECD) in serum has been suggested as a potential biomarker for monitoring this effect in vivo. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen, producing skin and other malignancies in populations exposed through their drinking water. One such exposed population, which we have been studying for a number of years, is in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to examine the EGFR ECD as a potential biomarker of arsenic exposure and/or effect in this population. Levels of the EGFR ECD were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the serum samples from 574 individuals with a range of arsenic exposures from drinking water in the Araihazar area of Bangladesh. In multiple regression analysis, serum EGFR ECD was found to be positively associated with three different measures of arsenic exposure (well water arsenic, urinary arsenic and a cumulative arsenic index) at statistically significant levels (p≤0.034), and this association was strongest among the individuals with arsenic-induced skin lesions (p ≤ 0.002). When the study subjects were stratified in tertiles of serum EGFR ECD levels, the risk of skin lesions increased progressively for each increase in all three arsenic measures (also stratified in tertiles) and this increasing risk became more pronounced among subjects within the highest tertile of EGFR ECD levels. These results suggest that serum EGFR ECD levels may be a potential biomarker of effect of arsenic exposure and may indicate those exposed individuals at greatest risk for the development of arsenic-induced skin lesions.     

Serum levels of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor in individuals exposed to arsenic in drinking water in Bangladesh

Epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent mechanisms have been implicated in growth signal transduction pathways that contribute to cancer development, including dermal carcinogenesis. Detection of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR ECD) in serum has been suggested as a potential biomarker for monitoring this effect in vivo. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen, producing skin and other malignancies in populations exposed through their drinking water. One such exposed population, which we have been studying for a number of years, is in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to examine the EGFR ECD as a potential biomarker of arsenic exposure and/or effect in this population. Levels of the EGFR ECD were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the serum samples from 574 individuals with a range of arsenic exposures from drinking water in the Araihazar area of Bangladesh. In multiple regression analysis, serum EGFR ECD was found to be positively associated with three different measures of arsenic exposure (well water arsenic, urinary arsenic and a cumulative arsenic index) at statistically significant levels (p≤0.034), and this association was strongest among the individuals with arsenic-induced skin lesions (p ≤ 0.002). When the study subjects were stratified in tertiles of serum EGFR ECD levels, the risk of skin lesions increased progressively for each increase in all three arsenic measures (also stratified in tertiles) and this increasing risk became more pronounced among subjects within the highest tertile of EGFR ECD levels. These results suggest that serum EGFR ECD levels may be a potential biomarker of effect of arsenic exposure and may indicate those exposed individuals at greatest risk for the development of arsenic-induced skin lesions.     

EGFR基因在非小细胞肺癌、乳腺癌中突变的研究

表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)基因酪氨酸激酶域体细胞突变与非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者对酪氨酸激酶抑制剂吉非替尼敏感性密切相关。文章分析和检测本院75例非小细胞肺癌、10例乳腺癌患者石蜡包埋标本EGFR基因突变状况。采用PCR技术进行EGFR基因19和21外显子突变分析。结果显示:75例NSCLC患者中有13例(13/75,17.33%)酪氨酸激酶域存在体细胞突变。其中7例(7/75,9.33%)为19外显子缺失突变,6例(6/75,8%)为21外显子替代突变(2573T>G,L858R)。病理分型显示,腺癌突变率高于其他几种类型NSCLC。乳腺癌患者均为免疫组化HER-2阳性女性,EGFR基因的19、21外显子中未见突变发生。中国非小细胞肺癌患者总突变率高于高加索人种,女性患者较男性患者突变率高,提示肺腺癌的患者突变率高可能在吉非替尼的治疗中获益。     

Interaction between epidermal growth factor receptor and interleukin-6 receptor in NSCLC progression

Even though the interaction between epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) has been found in many tumors, there is a lack of relevant in-depth study of lung cancer. The following study investigates the interaction of EGFR and IL-6R in lung cancer. In the current study, EGFR, IL-6, and glycoprotein 130 (GP130) were highly expressed in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue samples and were associated with clinicopathological features and poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, the effect of EGF and IL-6 on biological behavior of lung cancer cells (cell proliferation, invasion, cycle, and apoptosis) and the expression of EGFR, GP130, p-protein kinase B (p-AKT), and p-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p44/42 MAPK) was significantly stronger compared with other treatment groups (all P < 0.05). These results suggest that EGFR and IL-6R have synergistic effects on NSCLC progression. This could help to solve the problem of EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of lung cancer resistance and improve the efficacy of current treatment for lung cancer through a combination of EGFR and IL-6R signaling pathways.