Ligand-binding prediction for ErbB2, a key molecule in the pathogenesis of leprosy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mycobacterium leprae is an obligate intracellular pathogen. Ligand-binding is an important factor in the success of chemoprevention and chemotherapy. A new drug that can inhibit M. leprae binding to and activation of, ErbB2 and Erk1/2 in primary Schwann cells is the new therapeutic option. However, the ligand-binding pattern of ErbB2 has never been clarified.

METHODS: In this work, the author performed a ligand-binding prediction for ErbB2 using a new bioinformatics tool.

RESULTS: According to this study, nine strong possible ligands can be identified.

CONCLUSION: These sites can be useful for further drug-development studies.