Polymorphisms at the ERBB2 gene were previously investigated as genetic risk factors for leprosy in two Brazilian populations but with inconsistent results.
Genetic factors, such as the vitamin D receptor, the major histocompatibility complex region, chromosome 20, human toll-like receptors, the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2, phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidase on the X chromosome and the tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor-ErbB-2, contribute to both vitamin D status and leprosy.
These results may have implications for the design of ErbB2 RTK-based therapies for both leprosy nerve damage and other demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases.